Chief Minister Pramod Sawant while inspecting the Vasco Sunday modern market fire site on Wednesday midnight.
VASCO
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has assured maximum possible financial assistance to traders affected by the devastating fire at Vasco’s Sunday modern market, where around 140 shops were gutted, destroying goods worth several crores of rupees just days before Diwali.
The chief minister also chaired a high-level meeting at the Mormugao Municipal Council to review the fire incident at the Sunday modern market.
“The fire at the Sunday Market in Vasco is now fully under control. All necessary precautionary measures are being taken to ensure the safety of everyone, particularly the traders and residents in the affected area,’ said Sawant.
“I sincerely appeal to everyone to cooperate with authorities and follow the safety instructions. These measures are purely precautionary and have been taken in the interest of public safety.”
“The departments concerned are carrying out a detailed assessment of the damage caused by the fire. The Government stands firmly with all those affected by this unfortunate incident and will extend necessary assistance, including financial compensation to the affected persons. I assure everyone that the safety and welfare of our people remain our foremost priority,.” he added.
On Thursday, the chief minister chaired a high-level meeting at the Mormugao Municipal Council to review the devastating fire tragedy.
Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar, Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar, Chief Secretary Dr V. Candavelou, South Goa Collector Egna Cleetus, senior police and fire officials, municipal authorities, councillors and market association representatives were also present at the meeting.
Discussions pertaining to the circumstances of the fire, damage caused as well as safety measures were raised at the meeting.
On Wednesday midnight, Sawant said he had received a call from Salkar informing him that there had been three fire incidents in Vasco, including a major fire that had engulfed the entire market.
“I decided to personally visit the site and personally assess the destruction. I also heard the grievances of the affected traders. I realised that around 140 shops could have been gutted in the fire,” said Sawant.
“The traders had purchased huge stocks for Diwali, and the merchandise has been reduced to ashes. They have suffered major financial losses, and I want to assure them that the government will provide maximum possible financial assistance to help them,” Sawant said.
Sawant said he was relieved that no lives had been lost in the incident, despite the scale of the destruction and the intensity of the blaze.
“I thank God that no lives have been lost in this incident. This is unfortunate, and such disasters should not happen. I have directed the administration to ascertain the exact cause of the fire. We will extend all cooperation and provide maximum possible financial assistance to the affected victims,” he said.
