PANAJI: The Goa government has initiated steps to assist traders affected by the devastating fire at Vasco’s Sunday Market, with the Urban Development Department coordinating with concerned officials to assess the losses and facilitate the restoration process.
Urban Development Minister Vishwajit Rane said on Thursday that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant was personally monitoring the situation after visiting the fire-hit market on Wednesday night.
Rane said that, following discussions with the Chief Minister, the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA), the municipal administrator and the Secretary of Urban Development had been directed to maintain regular contact with the affected traders and address their concerns.
He said the department was examining the situation and taking the necessary measures to ensure that restoration work was carried out in an organised and systematic manner.
The massive blaze, which broke out late Wednesday night, destroyed more than 150 shops at the Sunday Market. The fire has caused significant financial losses to traders who had stocked merchandise in anticipation of increased sales during the upcoming Diwali festival.
Meanwhile, two other fire incidents were reported in Vasco. A house on the outskirts of the town caught fire, while a separate blaze at a garage resulted in two vehicles being gutted.
The authorities are assessing the damage caused by the incidents and coordinating with the affected traders to determine the assistance and restoration measures required.
The government has assured support to those affected by the market fire, with the Urban Development Department working alongside the concerned authorities to address traders’ grievances and help restore normalcy in the area.
