Team Herald
MARGAO: Despite a close brush with disaster last December, fire safety in Margao’s New market remains woefully inadequate, putting over 450 shops and hundreds of lives at constant risk.
Traders and shopkeepers have raised serious concerns over the lack of basic fire fighting infrastructure, including a long-promised overhead water tank and functioning fire hydrants have remained conspicuously absent till date. This puts the lives of traders as well as those visiting the customers at risk.
On December 26, 2023, a major fire broke out in the vicinity of the market. While a larger tragedy was averted thanks to the swift action of alert traders and fire-fighters, the incident exposed the market’s complete lack of
preparedness.
In the aftermath, a joint inspection team under the Disaster Management Authority recommended the urgent installation of an overhead water tank to supply water to fire hydrants. However, nearly five months later, no visible progress has been made.
“There is no water tank, no working fire hydrants. If a fire breaks out in the market, it will be a catastrophe,” warned Damodar Gode, President of the Margao Market Association. He confirmed that the traders had submitted written requests to the Margao Municipal Council (MMC), but those appeals have gone unanswered. “A site for the water tank was identified, but nothing has happened on the ground,” he
added.
Shopkeepers echoed the same concerns. “The market is in pathetic condition when it comes to fire safety,” said Sobha Gaonkar, a local vendor. “In past incidents, it was found that there was no proper entry for fire engines, and the hydrants were of
no use.”
Rajendra Azgaonkar, another shop owner, stressed the urgency of the issue: “We have been hearing for months that a water tank will be built. But to this day, there’s not even a sign of work starting.”
Adding to the risk is the market’s severe congestion. Roads and footpaths around the area are heavily encroached upon, and there is no structured parking, which traders fear could lead to chaos and a potential stampede in an emergency.
With fire safety measures remaining only on paper and no accountability from municipal authorities, shop owners say they are being forced to conduct business under constant
threat.
The Margao Municipal Council is yet to respond to the growing concerns or provide a timeline for the long-delayed safety upgrades.