Panaji: Goa Urban Development Minister Vishwajit Rane on Thursday said his department was in touch with traders affected by the massive fire in Vasco town, which gutted more than 150 shops, as the state government initiated steps to restore normalcy in the affected area.
Rane said Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who visited the site on Wednesday night, was personally monitoring the situation following the blaze that caused extensive damage to the town’s market area.
“After discussion with the CM, who is monitoring the fire incident at Vasco, instructions have been issued to the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA), the administrator and the Secretary of Urban Development. They will be in touch with the traders,” Rane said.
The entire department was monitoring the situation, and every aspect of the incident was being examined, he said.
“Necessary steps are being taken to ensure that things are restored in a meticulous and proper manner,” the minister added.
The fire broke out late Wednesday night, with multiple incidents reported at different locations in Vasco. The major blaze engulfed the town’s market area, where traders were preparing for the upcoming Diwali festivities, destroying more than 150 shops.
Earlier, a fire was reported at a house on the outskirts of Vasco, while another incident at a garage resulted in two vehicles being gutted.
The government is assessing the situation and coordinating with affected traders to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to restore the damaged areas, Rane said.
