MARGAO
More than a year after the major fire at the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) New Market, several fire safety measures recommended by the Fire and Emergency Services are yet to be fully implemented. A key concern is that proper directional exit signboards are still missing inside the market.
Directional exit signboards: The Fire Services had directed that clear directional exit signs should be installed inside the market at proper locations. Big and clearly visible “EXIT” boards were also to be placed at all gates so that shoppers and traders can evacuate quickly during a fire. However, these signboards are yet to be fully put up.
Clear and obstruction-free exits: All exits, exit routes and discharge areas were to be kept completely free from any obstruction at all times. The internal passages in both the New Market and Gandhi Market were meant to provide a continuous and clear route to the outside open space leading to the main road.
Marked and illuminated escape routes: Exit routes were to be clearly marked with proper signboards. These signs were required to be illuminated and connected to an independent electrical circuit with an alternate power supply so that they remain visible even during power failures.
Free internal passages for fire equipment: All internal passages in both the New Market and Gandhi Market were to be kept free from obstructions so that fire-fighting equipment can be moved easily inside the market during an emergency.
Fire safety volunteer teams: The Fire Services had recommended forming volunteer fire safety teams from among shop owners. These teams were to carry out surprise checks of electrical fittings and ensure that fire extinguishers are in working condition.
Basic fire safety training and awareness: The municipality was advised to send at least 15 shop association representatives and municipal staff at a time for basic fire safety training. They were to be trained in handling first-aid fire extinguishers. Fire action stickers with emergency contact numbers were to be displayed at prominent locations across the market.
Use of fire-retardant paint and fire curtains: Shop owners were instructed to paint the inside of their shops with fire-retardant paint. They were also told to install fire-resistant curtains with at least one hour fire resistance to slow the spread of fire.
Clear access for fire engines: Adequate clear passage for fire-fighting vehicles was to be provided at all market gate entrances. The minimum required width for these entrances was fixed at 4.5 metres, while covered gates were to have a clear headroom of at least 5 metres. Parking in the open space around both markets was to be strictly avoided.
Mandatory fire extinguishers in every shop: Each shop was directed to keep a minimum of two fire extinguishers. This includes one ABC type extinguisher of 4 kg capacity for general fires and one CO2 type extinguisher of 2 kg capacity for electrical fires.
Despite these detailed directions, many of the safety measures are still not fully visible on the ground, raising serious concerns over the safety of traders and shoppers at Margao’s busy markets.
