Kolkata: For Meena Nandwani, the fire at Free School Street destroyed little inside her first-floor home. Yet, a week after the blaze, she remains displaced, unable to return to the flat she has lived in because the entire building has been sealed by the administration.Nandwani (48) was among the residents left in limbo after the Aug 19 fire at the five-storey building, which houses lodges, offices, eateries and other commercial establishments. She rushed out of the building when the fire broke out, carrying nothing except the clothes she was wearing. “A few hours later, they allowed us to go inside for a few minutes. I could retrieve only a couple of dresses,” said Nandwani.Since then, Nandwani has been staying with friends, taking turns between their homes. She lives alone and has been doing so since her mother died three years ago. She works at a private office on Camac Street and is now without access not only to her home but also to all her belongings. “My home is safe, but I cannot go back. I don’t have my belongings, my documents or enough clothes. I am a single woman without any guardian. They should consider my case and allow me in,” said Nandwani.Nandwani’s situation is shared by several other residents and occupants of the building. Those who have homes inside the premises have been unable to return, while people running offices and businesses are unable to access their workplaces, documents, equipment and stock.Jeetu Golani, whose office is inside the building, said occupants had been approaching different govt departments seeking access but had not received a clear solution. “We have been approaching various departments but to no avail. They are directing us to other departments,” said Golani.An owner of a godown inside the building said the occupants were caught between different agencies. “The fire department is asking for a no-objection from the local police station while the cops are saying the fire department has not given the permission,” said the owner.A fire department officer said access could not be allowed until the required clearances were issued. “We can allow only after the police and the KMC have issued a no objection,” said the official.
