Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar while chairing a joint meeting.
VASCO
In the aftermath of the devastating Vasco Sunday Market fire, authorities have decided to relocate all 145 affected shops and hawkers to identified revenue land, while ordering a comprehensive fire safety inspection of all markets in Vasco on Monday.
The decisions were taken during a joint meeting held at the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) on Friday, chaired by Vasco MLA Krishna Daji Salkar and attended by MMC Chief Officer Madhu Narvekar, Deputy Collector Pratap Gaonkar, the Mamlatdar, fire department officials and representatives of the affected market vendors.
During the meeting, it was decided that the 145 affected shopkeepers and hawkers would be accommodated on identified revenue land to enable them to resume their business activities while ensuring better safety arrangements.
The relocation decision assumes significance as authorities work towards restoring the livelihoods of traders who suffered heavy losses in the fire that gutted a large section of the Sunday Market.
The meeting also decided to conduct a comprehensive fire safety inspection of all markets in Vasco on Monday. The inspection will focus on the availability and functioning of fire hydrants, existing fire safety infrastructure and other precautionary measures required to prevent similar incidents.
Officials will examine the preparedness of the various market establishments and identify gaps that need immediate attention. The emphasis will be on ensuring that adequate firefighting facilities are available and accessible in the event of an emergency. In another important decision, authorities have resolved to issue notices to all dilapidated buildings in Vasco and initiate necessary action to address structural safety concerns.
The move comes against the backdrop of growing concerns over the safety of ageing commercial structures and the preparedness of the town’s markets to deal with fire emergencies.
