CM calls for review of safety systems
The three shops destroyed in fire at Sanquelim market.
BICHOLIM
Three shops were gutted in a major fire at the Sanquelim market in the wee hours of Tuesday, destroying property estimated at Rs 60 lakh.
The fire broke out at about 1.30 am, and it is initially believed to have been caused by a short circuit. The fire destroyed the grocery store of Rupesh Kanekar, the cloth shop of Subhash Naik and the shop of Rajendra Pangam.
According to Bicholim Fire Officer Rahul Desai, the fire was brought under control after two hours of efforts by fire tenders from the Bicholim fire station and the Valpoi fire station, with the cooperation of locals. Firefighters removed a cylinder from a shop, preventing further damage at the site.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Sanquelim Mayor Siddhi Prabhu, Anand Ghanekar and councillors later visited the site to take stock of the situation.
The chief minister later directed the Talathi to submit a report on the damage and said the government will provide all possible support and financial assistance to the affected shopkeepers. The market was inaugurated here five years ago, and locals said there is a need to install the necessary fire safety systems at the market. Mayor Siddhi Prabhu later clarified that she would review safety measures in the market area.
