Margao inferno exposes chinks in fire-fighting
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, APRIL 14
Wednesday’s noon infernos at Margao’s congested New Market area has once again brought to the fore the non-functioning fire hydrants, low water pressure, congested roads, absence of coordination among agencies et al, but will the authorities put their act together and avert a major tragedy in the commercial capital.
The fire-hydrants were repaired just a fortnight ago, but they proved no use when their services were badly required today. Hoping that the fire hydrant would serve the purpose, a fireman dug out the concrete covering on the hydrant after the key failed to open the valve.
The fire hydrant let down the fire fighting operation for want of water pressure in the PWD line. A PWD official, when contacted, only said he is on a tour given that Wednesday was a public holiday. PWD officials were also not seen at the spot when their services were badly required.
Says president of the New Market Traders Association, Vinod Shirodkar: “What is the use of the fire hydrants when there is no water pressure. The market area requires minimum five hydrants”.
Shirodkar said the traders have been knocking the doors of the various authorities since the last many years, but the response is lukewarm. “Are they waiting for the market to be reduced to ashes by a major fire tragedy? The fire tenders with the Margao fire station should be increased to at least five”, he said.
The traders appeared sore over the fact that nothing has changed in the market even after their meeting with Chief Minister Digambar Kamat two month ago.
The absence of PWD officials to ensure that the water pressure is increased to meet the requirements also brought to the fore the disaster management plan put in place by the district authorities. No PWD Officer was around to increase the water pressure in the pipeline.
Incidentally, the traffic police were not mobilized immediately to stop traffic coming to the New Market area from the Bank of India branch and Gandhi market. This resulted in traffic jam and hindrance to the movement of fire tenders to and from the market area.
Says Fatorda MLA Damu Naik: “The government and the authorities have not yet learnt a lesson after the major fire that engulfed the New Market area some years ago. We have only heard about assurances and promises, but nothing has changed in the market.”
