Kolkata: Meera Nandwani (50) was fast asleep in her first-floor flat when frantic knocks on her door jolted her awake.
A neighbour told her a fire had broken out on the floor above. Still in her nightgown, Nandwani grabbed her mobile phone and fled downstairs, leaving behind almost everything she owned. By Wednesday evening, she had lost more than just a night’s sleep — the building she had called home for five decades had been sealed and declared “high risk” for habitation.
“I was sleeping when my neighbour banged on my door and woke me up. She said there was a fire on the floor above. I was in my nightgown. I just grabbed my mobile phone and rushed downstairs in fear. I live alone here and was extremely scared,” Nandwani said.
By Wednesday evening, the entire compound had been sealed by the state fire and emergency services department following the blaze at Shikha Inn, one of the many hotels operating from the premises. Nine people died in the fire early on Wednesday.
Nandwani’s flat on first floor is just one of the two residential properties which hasnt changed its character yet and continue to serve as a home. All other flats have been converted into either offices or guest houses.
Fire department sources said the entire premises had been declared dangerous and unfit for habitation and classified as a “high-risk” building. For residents like Nandwani, the order has left them without a home.
She has temporarily moved to her sister’s house in central Kolkata, but is unsure how long she can stay there.
On Wednesday afternoon, residents and occupants were given a brief window to enter the premises, collect essential belongings and leave. Nandwani managed to gather some clothes, cash and valuables but had to leave several documents and other possessions behind.
“I don’t have any other place to go. I can’t stay with my relatives forever. Even if they seal the commercial establishments, they should at least allow residents to enter their homes,” she said.
Police said the premises would be inspected before commercial establishments are allowed to reopen.