File photo of charred remains of shops at Vasco’s Sunday Modern Market after the devastating fire.
VASCO
The fire may have gutted Vasco’s Sunday Modern Market, destroying shops, stocks and livelihoods, but the response has brought the port town together, with financial assistance and reconstruction support pouring in from different quarters.
From political leaders to business establishments, offers of help are emerging across political affiliations and commercial interests. What began as a tragedy for 145 affected units is gradually turning into a collective effort, with the government, local politicians, traders and social organisations stepping forward to help vendors rebuild their lives.
Political support
The government set the ball rolling when Chief Minister Pramod Sawant distributed the first instalment of Rs 1.39 crore in compensation to 103 claimants, covering all 145 affected shops. The assistance ranged from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh, with the Chief Minister indicating that further support would follow.
Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar announced that he would contribute two years of his MLA salary towards helping the fire-affected vendors.
Chicalim Sarpanch Kamlaprasad Yadav pledged to reconstruct the shed of the affected building through his Gomati Foundation.
MGP leaders, including Deepak Dhavalikar, also visited the market and sought a list of affected vendors to explore financial assistance.
Business community steps up
Vasco’s business community has also rallied behind the affected traders. Market traders and other shopkeepers shut their establishments for half a day to express solidarity, foregoing business and offering to contribute financially towards the recovery effort.
Jewellery establishment M S Lotlikar announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh for the affected vendors.
These gestures go beyond monetary contributions. Vasco’s commercial ecosystem has been built over generations by small traders, family-run establishments and entrepreneurs who understand the uncertainties of running a business. The losses suffered by Sunday Market vendors have therefore struck a chord with fellow traders.
Will corporates offer CSR funds?
With political commitments and individual contributions emerging, attention is now turning towards Vasco’s larger business houses and corporate establishments.
The Mormugao region is home to several major institutions, including Goa Shipyard Limited and Mormugao Port Authority, besides other industrial and corporate establishments. Their participation through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives could give the reconstruction effort a substantial boost.
A coordinated approach could allow different organisations to support specific components of the rebuilding exercise rather than make general financial contributions, suggested a person in the know.
“One could take up paving work, another painting, while others could contribute towards roofing, electrical installations, sanitation facilities or construction requirements,” the person said.
Such a partnership, coordinated with the Mormugao Municipal Council and other authorities, could distribute the reconstruction burden and help create a better-equipped market. The specific works would, however, depend on the final reconstruction plan.
Collective responsibility
The response to the tragedy has shown that support can come from all sides when livelihoods are at stake.
The flames may have consumed the Sunday Market, but its vendors are not being left to face the aftermath alone. Rebuilding the market need not rest solely with the government and affected traders. It could become a collective project involving the entire town.
