Panaji: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Friday said an inquiry would be conducted into the Vasco market fire, including allegations of delays in the response by the directorate of fire and emergency services and the disaster management machinery. He also said assistance to affected traders would be expedited and a site identified for their rehabilitation.“How did the incident happen, why did it happen? A full investigation is required and it is ongoing. Some people said that there was a delay, and even if there was a delay, inter-departmentally, then why was there a delay? Fire and disaster management will also face an inquiry,” Sawant said.Govt has decided to mobilise resources and expedite the reconstruction of the market, he said, adding that a site was being identified to rehabilitate the affected traders and shop owners.As many as 107 people affected by the fire have submitted claims, Mormugao deputy collector Prataprao Gaonkar said. A scrutiny committee is cross-verifying their details with municipal records, while the list has also been shared with the market committee association for verification.The claimants include shop owners, tenants and traders. The traders have sought time until Saturday to submit the required details. Gaonkar said govt would decide on the quantum of compensation and announce it subsequently.Sawant said a meeting involving heads of various departments, including the fire department, the Director General of Police, the chief secretary, the collector and local MLAs, was held on Thursday to discuss the incident and the way forward.“We have to identify land to rehabilitate them. A decision has been taken to reconstruct the market and, if required, mobilise all the resources,” he said.The chief minister also said he would direct the authorities to review fire safety arrangements at the Panaji market.Govt has formed a fact finding committee headed by revenue secretary for the fire incident. The committee has to submit a comprehensive report, incorporating the findings and specific recommendations, to the govt within seven days. The committee has also been tasked with assessing the adequacy and availability of firefighting infrastructure, equipment and emergency response mechanisms in the state. The govt has also asked the committee to study the coordination among the various departments and agencies involved in the emergency response.The committee has been empowered to obtain relevant records and information from the departments and agencies involved, and seek explanations or statements from officers and stakeholders as part of the fact-finding process.
About The Author
