MARGAO
Work on fire hydrants and a dedicated water line at the Margao Municipal New Market is expected to begin soon. However, a key question remains unanswered ” has the Margao Municipal Council followed the fire safety recommendations given by the Fire Services nearly two years ago?
Since December 2023, the council has had more than one Chief Officer. Each of them now needs to explain how many of the fire safety norms were actually implemented during their time in office.
Municipal Chairperson Damu Shirodkar and other officials have focused on beautifying the New Market building. But residents are still waiting for clear answers on basic safety steps. Have traders been told to install fire extinguishers? Have shop owners been directed to use fire-retardant paint inside their shops?
Another major concern is the lack of proper exit guidance. Have clear directional exit signs been installed inside the market? Are large ‘Exit’ boards placed at all gates to guide people during emergencies?
The Fire Services also advised forming a volunteer team of shop owners to carry out surprise checks on electrical fittings and fire extinguishers to ensure they are working properly. In addition, the municipality was asked to arrange basic fire safety training for market association members and municipal staff.
A recent visit to the New Market showed that there are still no directional exit signs at the entry or exit points of the building.
