Panaji: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday said the massive fire at Vasco’s Sunday Market was fully under control and assured financial compensation to those affected by the blaze, which gutted more than 150 shops.
Sawant said the government was assessing the damage caused by the fire and would extend the necessary assistance to affected traders.
“The Government stands firmly with all those affected by this unfortunate incident and will extend necessary assistance, including financial compensation to the affected persons,” the Chief Minister said in a statement.
He said precautionary measures were being taken to ensure the safety of traders and residents in the affected area. He also appealed to the public to cooperate with authorities and follow safety instructions.
The concerned departments were conducting a detailed assessment of the damage, Sawant said, assuring that the safety and welfare of the people remained the government’s foremost priority.
The Chief Minister visited the affected site on Wednesday night after the fire broke out in the port town, where multiple fire incidents were reported at different locations.
The major blaze engulfed the Sunday Market area, destroying more than 150 shops as traders prepared for the upcoming Diwali festivities. A separate fire at a garage gutted two vehicles, while another blaze was reported at a house on the outskirts of Vasco.
Urban Development Minister Vishwajit Rane on Thursday said his department had been directed to coordinate with affected traders and monitor the situation.
Following discussions with the Chief Minister, instructions had been issued to the Directorate of Municipal Administration, the administrator and the Secretary of Urban Development to remain in touch with the traders, Rane said.
The entire department was monitoring the situation, and every aspect was being examined to ensure that restoration work was carried out properly and systematically, he added.
The government’s announcement of financial assistance is expected to provide relief to traders who suffered losses in the blaze, while the concerned departments continue to assess the extent of the damage.
