PANAJI: GPCC President Girish Chodankar and South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes have demanded immediate relief and adequate compensation for traders affected by the devastating fire at Vasco’s Sunday Market last night, with both calling for accountability and measures to restore the livelihoods of those who have suffered losses.
Chodankar expressed sorrow over the fire, which destroyed shops and has dealt a severe blow to traders and their families. “This tragedy has robbed many families of their hard-earned savings, livelihoods and hopes for Diwali. My heart goes out to every affected trader and family,” Chodankar said.
He demanded a time-bound assessment of the losses, adequate compensation and emergency financial assistance for every affected trader. He also called for a transparent inquiry into the circumstances leading to the fire and sought accountability from the authorities concerned over fire safety arrangements, preventive measures and the emergency response. “The government cannot limit itself to expressing sympathy. It must explain what went wrong, fix responsibility wherever lapses are established, and ensure that such a tragedy is not repeated. Affected families need immediate action, not empty assurances,” he said.
Chodankar urged Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to personally intervene and announce an immediate relief package, ensuring that compensation reaches all affected traders without bureaucratic delays. He further demanded that the findings of a time-bound inquiry be made public, action be taken against anyone found responsible for negligence, and a concrete rehabilitation plan be implemented to help traders rebuild their businesses. “These hardworking families cannot be made to suffer because of administrative delays. Their livelihoods must be restored with urgency, dignity and justice. The government must act now and be held accountable for its response,” Chodankar asserted.
Meanwhile, South Goa MP Capt Viriato Fernandes urged the state government and Chief Minister Sawant to declare the Vasco Sunday Market fire a State Disaster and provide immediate compensation to affected traders. He also called for the market to be rebuilt to help those who have lost their shops and sources of income get back on their feet.
Fernandes sought a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire, including possible foul play and lapses in fire safety preparedness. He called for the authorities to ascertain whether firefighting equipment and hydrants were operational and whether the necessary safety measures were in place. He said any suspected conspiracy or deliberate act must be investigated thoroughly, while any negligence established during the probe must be dealt with appropriately.
