Panaji: The South Goa district administration has prohibited public access to the fire-ravaged New Modern Municipal Market in Vasco and the surrounding area within a 50-metre radius for two days, citing the risk of structural collapse and the presence of potentially hazardous materials.
The prohibitory order, issued by South Goa District Magistrate Egna Cleetus on Thursday under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, follows a massive fire that gutted more than 150 shops in the port town on Wednesday night.
The order prohibits traders, vendors, customers and other members of the public from entering or remaining in the cordoned-off area, except for authorised personnel carrying out essential official duties.
The restrictions will remain in force until November 1, unless modified or withdrawn earlier by the competent authority.
The District Magistrate said the severity of the fire had raised concerns about the structural stability of the affected building and the possibility of portions collapsing, potentially endangering lives.
Flammable and potentially hazardous materials remaining on the premises could also pose a risk of further ignition or other dangerous incidents, the order stated.
The police have been directed to cordon off the affected premises and surrounding area, deploy personnel at access points and prevent unauthorised entry, theft or removal of goods.
The Public Works Department’s Buildings Division in Vasco has been asked to assess the building’s structural stability and identify risks from falling debris or possible collapse. Entry into portions declared unsafe will remain prohibited until the required assessment is completed.
The Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services has also been directed to inspect the premises and assess risks posed by flammable and hazardous materials.
A joint inspection and damage assessment involving the police, municipal council, fire services, forensic experts, PWD and other concerned departments was scheduled for Thursday morning to determine the extent of the damage and assess the safety of the affected premises.
The inspection will also examine electrical installations, residual fire hazards and potential risks to adjoining properties. Authorities have been asked to preserve evidence relevant to any investigation.
The fire broke out at the New Modern Municipal Market at around 11.40 pm on Wednesday, destroying more than 150 shops as traders prepared for the upcoming Diwali festivities. Other fire incidents were also reported at different locations in Vasco, including a garage where two vehicles were gutted.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the affected site on Wednesday night and said on Thursday that the fire was fully under control. He assured that the government would extend necessary assistance, including financial compensation, to those affected.
Urban Development Minister Vishwajit Rane also said his department had been directed to remain in contact with affected traders and take steps to ensure systematic restoration.
The district administration said access to the affected premises would remain restricted until the necessary safety assessments were completed and appropriate precautions were taken.
