VASCO
Following the fire at Vasco’s Sunday Market, firecracker vendors have been directed to shift their Diwali stalls to the open area formerly known as Dev Damodar Trust, behind the vegetable market. Fireworks sales will not be permitted anywhere within the Vasco open market area.
Vasco MLA Krishna Daji Salkar inspected the proposed site on Monday with officials and stakeholders to assess arrangements and safety measures. He said the fire had highlighted the need for stricter precautions, particularly while handling inflammable materials such as firecrackers.
Salkar directed the municipal council and electricity department to provide lighting and basic facilities. Police and other departments were instructed to prevent vendors from operating on roads, streets and footpaths. He urged vendors to adopt a single-window system for stall allocation and coordination, ensuring smooth business, pedestrian movement and access for emergency vehicles.
Firecracker vendors requested that sellers of traditional sweets and other Diwali products also be accommodated at the site to create a common marketplace and attract more customers.
Vasco Fire Station Officer Dilip Bicholkar said commercial activities near the fire-affected market posed risks and vendors would require a Fire NOC. Applications must be submitted to the Deputy Collector before being forwarded to the fire department for scrutiny.
Mormugao Mamlatdar Pravinjay Pandit said illegal firecracker sales would not be permitted and urged the municipal council and police to strictly enforce safety measures.
