South Goa Collector Egna Cleetus while addressing the media on Thursday.
VASCO
South Goa Collector Egna Cleetus has said the administration is considering two proposals submitted by the market association for temporarily relocating the affected vendors to help them resume their businesses.
Speaking to reporters after attending a high-level meeting chaired virtually by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant at the Mormugao Municipal Council, Cleetus said the meeting reviewed the situation following the devastating fire and discussed the process of providing compensation to the affected traders.
According to Cleetus, the association has identified one plot of land and another set of premises where structural stability needs to be assessed before the vendors can be shifted.
“Both options are being considered. We will inspect the locations and check their feasibility, following which the government will take a decision and make a further announcement,” she said.
The proposed relocation is expected to provide temporary relief to traders whose shops and stocks were destroyed in the fire, leaving several families facing financial losses during the festive season.
Cleetus said the police were investigating the cause of the fire.
Following the major fire incident at Vasco’s Sunday modern market, South Goa Collector Egna Cleetus prohibited public entry to the affected market premises and the surrounding area within a 50-metre radius, citing structural safety risks and potential fire hazards.
Invoking Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the collector stated that restrictions would remain in force until November 1, unless extended or modified.
