SAFETY FIRST: A congested lane in Mapusa market, where vendors and shoppers jostle for space, raising concerns over whether emergency vehicles could reach the spot swiftly in the event of a fire.
The devastating fire at the Vasco market, which gutted 140 shops and caused losses running into crores of rupees, has brought the spotlight on the fire safety preparedness of Mapusa market, North Goa’s bustling commercial hub, where a similar incident could have serious consequences.
The popular Friday market attracts hundreds of visitors, including tourists and foreigners, while its network of shops, stalls and street-side vendors draws a steady stream of customers throughout the week.
However, the sheer volume of people and commercial activity raises questions about whether the market can cope with a fire or other emergency, particularly during peak hours.
On Fridays, vendors occupy large stretches of open streets, leaving little room for pedestrians. At times, visitors struggle to navigate the crowded lanes, raising concerns about whether fire engines, ambulances and police vehicles could enter the market and reach an affected shop quickly enough in an emergency.
Disorderly parking by private vehicle owners and public transport users further compounds the congestion around the market, potentially delaying emergency response.
With the festive season bringing increased business activity and larger crowds, traders and authorities cannot afford to treat these concerns as routine civic issues.
“We have to be alert. The concerned authorities should conduct time-to-time inspections and a fire drill to ensure that all emergency units function effectively,” said Pandurang Sawant, a Mapusa trader.
The market has fire hydrants, but their presence alone does not guarantee that they can be relied upon during an emergency. Their operational status, water pressure, supply continuity and accessibility need to be verified through a physical inspection by the Fire and Emergency Services and the relevant water supply authorities.
A fire breaking out in a congested commercial area can spread rapidly, particularly if shops contain combustible goods, electrical equipment and other materials that could intensify the blaze. Any delay in securing an adequate water supply or connecting firefighting equipment could prove costly.
Emergency routes not
extensions of shops
Keeping access routes clear is among the most urgent requirements. Areas identified for emergency vehicles must not be encroached upon by vendors, merchandise, temporary structures or parked vehicles.
The Mapusa Municipal Council must ensure that such spaces remain accessible throughout the day, particularly on Fridays.
“Fire and safety audits have to happen. We had marked certain areas in the market for emergency vehicles, but these are not being maintained properly by the municipality. No vendor should be allowed to keep goods on the road if they hamper the entry of emergency vehicles. Some vendors use plastic sheets to protect themselves from the hot sun, and these should be removed at night,” said Siddesh Raut, secretary of the Mapusa Merchants Association.
Electrical hazards and
evacuation preparedness
A comprehensive safety audit must also cover electrical installations across the market. Overloaded connections, exposed wiring, unsafe extensions and poorly maintained electrical equipment can pose fire risks.
The Electricity Department, working with the Fire and Emergency Services and the municipality, should inspect shops and common areas and ensure that identified hazards are rectified.
Mayur Sawkar, a former customs officer aspiring to contest the Mapusa Assembly election, appealed to the Mapusa Municipal Council, the local MLA, market associations, shopkeepers and vendors to immediately initiate a joint fire safety and disaster management inspection.
Mapusa market is an economic lifeline for hundreds of traders and their families, besides serving customers from across North Goa. Protecting it requires more than responding after disaster strikes.
The critical question is whether the authorities will act now to ensure that a fire does not turn the market’s crowded streets, inadequate access and uncertain emergency preparedness into a recipe for tragedy.
