PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has assured financial assistance to vendors after a massive fire gutted around 150 shops at the New Modern Municipal Market, Vasco.
In an official statement, Sawant said “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.”
He appealed to the public to cooperate with the authorities and follow safety instructions, stating that the measures were precautionary and aimed at protecting public safety.
The fire broke out between around 11.10 pm and 11.55 pm on Wednesday. Several stalls selling clothes, bags, utensils and footwear were extensively damaged, causing losses worth crores of rupees to local traders.
Sawant said the concerned departments were conducting a detailed assessment of the damage and assured that the government would extend necessary assistance, including financial compensation, to those affected.
Meanwhile, following the incident, the South Goa Collector has prohibited public entry to the affected market premises and the surrounding area within a 50-metre radius under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), citing structural safety risks and potential fire hazards.
The restrictions will remain in force until November 1, 2026, unless extended or modified.
