PORVORIM, DEC 21
Bardez Deputy Collector Dashrath Redkar on Tuesday said it is essential that the entry of private two and four-wheelers in the Mapusa Municipal market should be totally banned.
Redkar was speaking during a meeting of shopkeepers, officials of PWD, electricity department, Fire Brigade, Bharat Sanchar Nigam and Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) convened in his chamber to discuss the issue regarding fire that broke out in Mapusa market on Monday and to take preventive measures.
Redkar said when he inspected the market, he observed that the market was so congested that it becomes nearly impossible for fire tenders to enter the market, electrical wiring have become old, vehicle are parked in the market in haphazard manner and water connection has not been provided to the fire hydrants.
“It is therefore essential that the entry of private two and four-wheelers in the market should be totally banned. Old electrical wiring needs to be changed and fire hydrants should be connected to the main water pipeline immediately,” said Redkar.
PWD Assistant Engineer (Water division) Prakash Surlikar said the work of laying 400 mtrs running water pipeline is still pending.
“We have submitted the revised estimates to the head office and we are hopeful that the entire work of installing fire hydrants and providing water connection will be completed within the next two months,” said Surlikar.
Electricity Department Executive Engineer Ulhas Kerkar said the project of laying underground electricity cable for entire Mapusa town, including Mapusa market, costing Rs 100 crore has been submitted to the government for its approval and once the approval is received, the work will be started.
Mapusa Police Inspector Rajesh Kumar stated that there should be restriction on sale of inflammable goods like fire crackers, etc, in the market.
Mapusa Merchants Association President Yeshwant Gaudalkar claimed that the market has become congested because MMC does not take any action against unauthorized hawkers and vendors.
“The shopkeepers do not get required cooperation from MMC inspectors in maintaining discipline in the market,” stated Gaundalkar.
MMC Chief Officer Madhura Naik said whenever MMC inspectors try to remove goods of the shopkeepers kept on the pavements, the shopkeepers oppose the move.
“The shopkeepers encourage the vendors and hawkers to operate in front of the shops,” said Naik.
Mapusa Fire Station Officer In-charge D D Redkar said as per rules in force, it is compulsory for shopkeepers, who sell inflammable goods, to install fire extinguishers in their shops.
“Training regarding usage of fire extinguishers can be provided by the fire brigade officials,” said Redkar.
Redkar further said they find it difficulty to enter the market on account of lot of obstacles like poles, vehicles and hawkers. “There should be enough space for the fire tenders to enter the market and reach to the spot of fire quickly,” added Redkar.
When the representatives of Merchants Association stated that the government should compensate for the loss suffered by the shopkeepers, Deputy Collector Redkar said as per rules in force, it is not possible to offer compensation for the loss of commercial property in fire.
“However, as a special case since the shopkeepers have not insured their goods, I would recommend their cases to the government for compensation, but the matter will have to be followed by the Association with the government,” said Redkar.
MMC Chairperson Sudhir Kandolkar said MMC will look into the possibility of offering some compensation to the shopkeepers through the municipal funds.
