Citizens in Chembur and Govandi either approach Chembur or Trombay police stations unaware of the new Govandi police station
Govandi police station, which was inaugurated a few months ago to cater to the needs of an ever increasing populace of Govandi (East) and parts of Chembur (East), is located in such a place that even citizens staying in Govandi are unaware of its existence.
The police station is located near Raheja Acropolis, behind Punjabwadi bus stop. To be more specific, it is off Sion-Trombay Road, between Punjabwadi petrol pump and Telecom Factory. There exists an arterial road which takes us to the Govandi police station, which means the police station is located behind the petrol pump and Telecom Factory.
The police station became a necessity because of rapid population increase on account of many up-market residential buildings, turning the once sleepy eastern suburb into a favoured destination for house hunters. Besides, a few slum pockets which existed are either re-developed or under re-development as per the SRA scheme.
Earlier, citizens in this jurisdiction had to visit the police stations of Trombay or Chembur which are located at quite a distance. Now a new Govandi police station could give them much needed respite if only people have knowledge of its existence.
Govandi police station’s jurisdiction starts from left side of Chembur (East) railway station road to the Shivaji Statue near Deonar Bus Depot and from Telecom Factory to Adharwadi. It also includes the eastern side of Govandi railway station.
But, many citizens are unaware of the jurisdiction. “Even though I stay in Chembur, it is really funny to approach Govandi police station instead of Chembur police station,” laments a Subhash Nagar resident on condition of anonymity. When asked, Vikram Shah who resides in Govandi said, “Trombay is our police station.” He is clueless about the newly functional Govandi police station.
When ADC team met Mr. Thakur, senior police inspector of the Govandi police station, he said, “Jurisdiction of Govandi police station was decided in the year 2009 itself. Since then, we were searching for space. Finally we got this place.”
Mr. Thakur also stated that the police station has been functioning and said, “We have already started distributing forms to housing societies of the area asking them to fill up details of senior citizens living in the society for taking safety measures. Further, we have increased day and night patrolling to curb chain snatching incidences.” Ranjankumar Amin, one of the trustees of Chembur Karnatak School (CKS) vouched for the working of the police station which has helped in curbing incidents of eve-teasing around the school. Yet, he too had mistakenly gone to Chembur police station initially.
However, reliable sources said that Govandi police station is under-staffed. They do not even have a full-fledged patrolling van with proper ammunitions, rifles, wireless and lathis. Even protection shields are not present. “Higher authorities have assured us that all the requirements of the police station will be taken care of within a few days time,” said a police official.