kolkata

IIE  DIGITAL DESK : The swift response to the recent market fire that gutted dozens of shops, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced a compensation of ₹1 lakh for each affected trader and assured that the damaged market will be rebuilt at the earliest. The announcement came during her visit to the site, where she met with traders who lost their livelihoods in the devastating blaze.

The fire, which broke out in the early hours of Sunday at a busy municipal market in central Kolkata, reduced more than 150 shops to ashes, leaving hundreds of small traders with significant losses. Although no casualties were reported, the financial blow has been overwhelming for the local business community, most of whom deal in garments, household goods, and perishables.

Addressing the media and victims at the site, the Chief Minister said, “We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident. Each affected shop owner will receive ₹1 lakh in immediate compensation from the government. Additionally, we will expedite plans to reconstruct the market with modern fire safety and drainage systems.”

She also announced the formation of a special task force led by urban development officials and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) to assess the damage and begin the rebuilding process. According to the CM, the new structure will be built keeping in mind the needs of small traders and will be equipped with fire extinguishing infrastructure, proper ventilation, and electrical safety systems.

The announcement was met with mixed emotions among traders—many were relieved at the promise of compensation, while others expressed concern about the time it would take to resume their businesses. “The money will help in the short term, but we are more worried about when we can reopen,” said Shankar Das, a garment seller whose entire shop was destroyed.

Several traders urged the government to provide temporary market stalls or sheds where they can resume trading until the new complex is built. Responding to the demand, the Chief Minister instructed KMC officials to identify nearby open spaces where temporary market arrangements could be made.

The fire department has launched an investigation into the cause of the blaze. Preliminary reports suggest a short circuit may have triggered the fire, which spread quickly through the densely packed stalls. Many traders had stored goods worth lakhs of rupees for the upcoming festival season, and the loss is estimated to be in crores.

Civic officials admitted that the market lacked adequate fire safety measures, and that emergency access routes were blocked by unauthorized construction. “This incident is a wake-up call. All municipal markets will now be audited for safety compliance,” said Firhad Hakim, Kolkata’s Mayor and Minister for Urban Development.

Local opposition leaders visited the site as well, criticizing the government for failing to enforce fire safety standards. In response, the Chief Minister emphasized that strict action would be taken against any officials found guilty of negligence and reiterated the government’s commitment to the affected traders.

Relief camps have been set up near the market to provide food and water to traders and their families. The district administration has also deployed counseling teams to assist those emotionally traumatized by the incident.

As cleanup begins and compensation is processed, the focus now shifts to long-term rehabilitation. With the Chief Minister’s firm assurance, the affected traders are hopeful that a new and safer market will rise from the ashes, restoring their livelihoods and sense of stability in the weeks to come.