AJIT JOHN
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PANJIM: In a shocking revelation it has come to light, the fire hydrants installed in the Panjim market have been rendered non-functional for nearly eight years.
According to a senior fire brigade official, the fire hydrants in the city market were found to be non-functional during the last system test conducted in 2017.
Acknowledging the situation, a senior Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) official declined to comment until an official report on the equipment’s status was received. He also did not specify when the report would be available.
Expressing serious concerns about the equipment’s reliability, Raju Damaskar, president of the market shop owners association, said the safety equipment has never been tested or used since its installation. “We don’t know if it even works. The municipality is responsible for its maintenance, but they haven’t checked on it,” he stated. Damaskar highlighted the risks posed by the market’s dense footfall and frequent power outages.
“In the event of a fire, we would have no option, but to rely entirely on the fire brigade. In the old market, there were two major fires reported around 10 years ago that completely gutted the premises. Safety checks should be conducted every two to three months,” he said. He also noted that any safety concerns or recommendations are formally communicated to the government.
The Panjim market, home to around 500 shops offering everything from daily essentials to seafood, fruits, vegetables, mobile phones, and festival decorations, has become a bustling commercial hub. Originally established during Portuguese rule, the market was redeveloped in two phases between 2002 and 2003, with support from the late Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, following a request from the shopkeepers association.
A senior official from the Panjim Fire Department confirmed that maintaining the fire safety systems is the responsibility of the municipality. “I am currently unaware of its present condition,” the official admitted but assured that he would look into the matter.
