Director of Fire and Emergency Services Nitin Raikar and other officials inspecting fire safety arrangements in Valpoi.
VALPOI
A recent inspection by the Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services (DFES) in Valpoi has revealed fire safety deficiencies in three important buildings of the Valpoi Municipal Council (VMC).
The recent devastating fire in Vasco, which destroyed over 140 shops and caused extensive financial losses, brought into focus the issue of fire safety in markets, commercial complexes, and public buildings across the State.
Against this backdrop, the DFES launched inspections and surveys in various parts of the State to assess fire safety arrangements.
As part of this initiative, the DFES conducted a joint inspection with VMC officials to assess fire safety facilities in various buildings and the condition of the available equipment.
Particular attention was given to hydrant systems, water availability, and the emergency measures that could be implemented in the event of a fire.
The inspection found deficiencies in essential fire safety arrangements at the old and new municipal council office as well as the new market complex.
The DFES first inspected the main office building of the Valpoi Municipal Council. Although a fire hydrant system has been installed in the building, the inspection revealed that it has remained non-functional due to inadequate maintenance and improper upkeep over several years.
The officials inspected the old office building of the VMC, where several shops and a bank operate inside the building, and found similar fire safety deficiencies.
Officials also inspected the old market building in Valpoi, which was demolished and replaced with a newly constructed market complex. Several traders currently operate in the complex, which witnesses a considerable flow of customers and visitors throughout the day. It is one of the major commercial centres in the town.
During the inspection, the fire hydrants installed in the new market were also found to be non-functional.
This has raised serious concerns, as any sudden fire outbreak in these buildings could create major difficulties in controlling the blaze. The safety of employees, shopkeepers and members of the public visiting these premises could also be at risk.
Director of DFES Nitin Raikar, Deputy Director Rajendra Haldankar, Valpoi Fire Station Officer Santosh Gawas, the VMC chief officer Rajesh Arlekar, and the VMC market inspector were part of the joint inspection.
DFES officials later instructed the VMC to immediately undertake necessary corrective measures and emphasised the need to repair and reactivate the hydrant systems, ensure adequate water availability and rectify other fire safety deficiencies.
The DFES has reportedly warned that neglecting these instructions could lead to serious consequences in the future.
