Can a dissolved civic body shun its responsibilities?
The devastating Vasco Sunday Market fire raises questions about civic responsibility and accountability, particularly as the Mormugao Municipal Council stands dissolved pending fresh elections. Does the absence of an elected council mean residents and traders must be denied basic civic services and protection? Can the former chairperson and councillors simply wash their hands of responsibility? While the council is dissolved, its administ
Fire safety cannot wait for another tragedy
A devastating fire ripped through Vasco’s Sunday market late Wednesday night, gutting around 140 shops, destroying goods worth several crores of rupees and leaving hundreds of traders facing an uncertain future just days before Diwali. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has verbally assured maximum possible financial assistance to affected traders. But...
Vasco needs urgent fire safety reforms
The two fires in quick succession in Vasco, culminating in a blaze that destroyed over 140 Sunday Market shops, are deeply shocking. With Diwali approaching, traders suffered losses worth crores after stocking seasonal goods. The incidents highlight the need for electrical safety, regular maintenance and strict fire safety enforcement. However,...
Fire safety needs more than firefighting
Repeated fire tragedies across Goa highlight the Fire Services Department’s lack of a proactive approach to prevention. Its role must extend beyond extinguishing fires to forming village-level disaster management committees. Despite the North Goa Consumer Protection Council’s suggestion, officials dismissed the proposal, citing annual demonstrations. The Government should introduce monthly...
Demanding accountability isn’t drama
It was sad to witness the loss of property in the Vasco market tragedy. The BJP is attempting to portray the opposition’s demands as politics and drama. The BJP would not have spared the INC and would have wreaked havoc while demanding resignations. The BJP’s coordinated efforts to manufacture narratives...
