The fire that reduced almost all the shops to debris on Wednesday night has served as a wake-up call for the authorities. Markets across Goa, including those in Panaji, Margao, Mapusa, Ponda and Bicholim, are now being forced to examine the safety measures and precautions required to prevent similar tragedies. Most of these markets lack adequate fire-safety equipment. Fire extinguishers and other essential safety facilities are basic requirements in such crowded commercial areas. The old well at Vasco’s Sunday market, which provided water during the firefighting operation, helped considerably in bringing the blaze under control.
The Sunday market in Vasco has a history of nearly 30 years. It began when a few small vendors started selling slippers, clothes, plastic goods and other household items along the roadside. Their presence affected the business of established local shops, following which the municipality decided to allot them a designated space. This gave birth to the Sunday market, initially operating only on Sundays and offering people an opportunity to purchase clothes, footwear and household items at affordable prices. Over time, it gradually developed into a regular marketplace, providing a livelihood to several families. Shop owners also sublet their premises to other vendors, thereby helping many more people earn their daily bread through small businesses.
The shop owners and traders in Vasco have strongly supported the affected vendors, demonstrating solidarity and unity by keeping their shops closed on Friday. Those who lost their shops and stocks are now demanding immediate relief and rehabilitation at the same location, with better infrastructure and adequate fire-safety measures. The ministers and the government have assured them of financial assistance and are in the process of identifying the affected owners and assessing their losses through verification of records available with the municipality. The entire team of government officials, along with the State Secretariat, is working to provide relief to the affected families. The vendors are also hopeful of getting an opportunity to resume their businesses before Christmas Eve in December. It is hoped that they will soon overcome this trauma, rebuild their businesses and get back on their feet with renewed strength.
Raju Ramamurthy, Vasco
