MARGAO: Even after six months have elapsed as the Fire Services submitted an audit report of the two markets in Margao and requested for safety measures be put in place on priority, the Municipal Council has apparently thrown caution to the winds is yet to address the issue for reasons best known to them .
The audit was conducted after a major blaze had engulfed the New Market in Margao during the previous year’s Christmas season. Despite the district collector’s swift action in convening a meeting immediately following the fire and an inspection carried out on January 3, no noteworthy progress has been reported regarding the matter.
On January 13, Deputy Director of Fire Services Rajendra Haldankar presented the comprehensive fire audit findings to the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) Chief Officer. The report outlined several preventive measures crucial for averting future fire incidents, with Haldankar stressing the urgent need to implement both active and passive fire protection strategies in the markets to mitigate the risk of further conflagrations.
The detailed report stipulates that both markets require clearly demarcated exits, prominently visible signage, unobstructed emergency evacuation routes, and essential fire-fighting equipment. This equipment includes external fire hydrants, hose reels, fire pumps, first-aid kits, fire extinguishers, overhead water tanks, and fire retardant paints. For shop owners with premises exceeding 100 square meters, the report mandates obtaining an online fire clearance certificate and renewing it annually to ensure compliance with electrical safety standards.
Furthermore, the report urges shop owners to conduct regular inspections of their electrical systems and fire extinguishers.
It also recommends that the municipality provide basic fire extinguisher training to market association representatives and employees, enhancing their ability to respond effectively in emergency situations.
To bolster preparedness, the report advises conducting biannual mock drills in coordination with the Fire Department and establishing a designated assembly point for safe evacuation during emergencies. The report emphasizes the critical importance of installing overhead water tanks as outlined in the 2016 fire protection plan and implementing a ring main hydrant system for both markets.
Additional recommendations include the installation of hose reels within the markets and connecting the water storage tank to a main electric fire pump capable of supplying adequate water pressure. The report also encourages shopkeepers to apply fire retardant paint to their establishments, further enhancing fire safety measures.
Despite these comprehensive recommendations, an MMC official expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility of implementing these safety measures. The official cited the absence of internal passages within the markets and their limited profitability as significant obstacles. “This is unlikely to happen,” the official stated, adding, “The shopkeepers will not cooperate because there are no internal passages in the market. Additionally, the MMC is not inclined to invest in such infrastructure for the markets.
It may be recalled that the Margao New Market traders association had also raised concerns related to fire safety recently and encroachments too.
