Daijiworld Media Network - Vasco

Vasco, Oct 29: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has assured financial assistance to traders whose shops were gutted in a massive fire at the New Modern Municipal Market in Vasco, which destroyed around 150 shops and caused losses worth crores of rupees.

In an official statement, Sawant said the fire at the Sunday Market in Vasco had been brought completely under control and that precautionary measures were being taken to ensure the safety of traders, residents and others in the affected area.

He appealed to the public to cooperate with the authorities and follow the safety instructions issued, stressing that the restrictions were precautionary and intended to protect public safety.

The fire broke out between 11.10 pm and 11.55 pm on Wednesday, leaving several stalls selling clothes, bags, utensils and footwear extensively damaged. The incident caused substantial financial losses to local traders.

Sawant said the concerned departments were assessing the extent of the damage and assured that the government would extend the necessary assistance, including financial compensation, to those affected by the blaze.

Meanwhile, the South Goa Collector has prohibited public entry to the affected market premises and the surrounding area within a 50-metre radius, citing concerns over structural stability and potential fire hazards.

The restriction has been imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and will remain in force until November 1, 2026, unless extended or modified by the authorities.

The restriction is aimed at preventing public access to potentially hazardous areas while the necessary safety measures are undertaken.