Ensure entrances, exits are accessible, free of clutter

Shopkeepers at Rughani Arcade say the stall has completely blocked the entrance. Pics/Anurag Ahire

A group of shopkeepers in Kandivli have accused a builder of blocking the entrance of their shopping arcade. They allege, a report in this paper said, that the builder has sold a shop which has come up near the entrance.

There are a number of claims and counterclaims flying through the piece. The macro picture though is that of an entrance becoming inaccessible, and the dangers emanating because of this reason.

We simply have to keep entrances and exits free at all residential and commercial establishments. These are our emergency avenues and to block them for any reason is inexcusable.

There have been several incidents of precious time being frittered as fire engines struggle to access burning buildings and infrastructure. In crowded Mumbai, where alleys and streets have numerous obstructions, firefighters have a tough time trying to get to where they are needed. With such challenges, we certainly cannot and should not allow any more difficulties when it comes to access.

While a fire may be the most pressing situation, all evacuation avenues, entrances and exits need to remain open or free by law. There may be at times other emergencies too and that is when the avenues are a huge factor.

To have one entrance closed means crowding at other places. In dire situations, crowds means frantic people and panic that can lead to mayhem.

We have examples of what happens when avenues to get out are closed or options are narrowed down. Even in residential buildings, this edit space has emphasised the need for passages between flats to be as clear as possible and staircases to be kept free in preparation for all eventualities.

Let us see this particular case resolved rather than a passing the buck kind of scenario, and then see wisdom in entrances and exits serving the purpose they are meant for.