‘Together for Mapusa’ President Adv. Mahesh Rane addressing a news conference in the presence of Vijay Bhike, Jitesh Kamat, Yogesh Kelkar and Rajesh Marathe. Umesh Zarmeker
MAPUSA
The civil society group ‘Together for Mapusa’ (TFM) has questioned the indifference of Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza and the administration over the state of affairs at Mapusa market.
Addressing a news conference on Saturday, the TFM said the safety and disaster management of Mapusa market has become a serious issue, especially in light of the recent devastating fire mishap at the Vasco fire market.
TFM President Adv. Mahesh Rane demanded that the administration takes immediate measures before a horrific accident like in Vasco were to take place in Mapusa.
“The administration should open all fire hydrants in the city, make fire insurance mandatory for commercial establishments, and immediately implement the city's comprehensive disaster management plan,” said Rane.
“According to the Disaster Management Act, it is mandatory to have a concrete disaster management plan in four phases at the national, state, district and local levels, namely prevention, preparedness, prompt response and rehabilitation.”
“But authorities do not have any clear disaster plan. Also, there are more than a thousand shops in Mapusa market. Moreover, there are four petrol pumps in the city centre. It is virtually impossible for fire tenders or water tankers to easily reach such a crowded place in case of an emergency.”
He further stated that fire hydrants were non-functional and necessary pumps to increase the water pressure were not installed.
Yogesh Kelkar demanded that the inspection of Mapusa market should be done not as a mere formality, but an official report be released and security plans in the market be made immediately.
TFM Secretary Jitesh Kamat said the maintenance of basic infrastructure of Mapusa city has been completely neglected and added that there is a mere show when elections are near.
“Although Mapusa market has been well-planned since the Portuguese era, encroachments on internal roads have made it difficult for a fire brigade to enter the area,” said Kamat.
TFM Vice-President Vijay Bhike, Rajesh Marathe and Sudesh Hasotikar also criticised the indifferent attitude of the local MLA.
