Agaratal 27, November 23: Late on a fateful Sunday night, Battala Market in Agartala witnessed a catastrophic event as over 150 shops were reduced to ashes in a massive fire. This article delves into the incident, the rapid response by authorities, the extent of the damage, and the subsequent efforts to support affected shop owners.
Fire Control in a Congested Market
Prompt and effective actions by the fire service personnel played a crucial role in bringing the fire under control. Despite the congested market, their swift response prevented further escalation, showcasing their dedication and expertise.
Battala Market: A Hub of Commerce in Agartala
Second Busiest Market Faces Significant Damage
Battala Market, the second busiest and largest market in Agartala after Maharajganj Bazar, faced significant damage due to the incident. This section explores the market’s importance and the implications of losing a key commerce hub.
Government’s Commitment to Support
Chief Minister’s Visit and Assurance
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha visited the affected Bazar on Monday to assess the situation firsthand. He assured assistance to affected shop owners, emphasizing the government’s commitment to helping them restart their businesses at the earliest.
Origin of the Fire: Insights from Battala Market Association
Electrical Short Circuit Suspected
According to Subhas Das, the Battala Market Association Secretary, the fire likely originated from an electrical short circuit. This section delves into the details provided by Das, highlighting the scale of the damage and the estimated losses.
Extent of Damage: Breakdown of Affected Shops
Subhas Das further detailed the extent of the damage, revealing that among the affected shops, 130 were vegetable vendors, five were poultry shops, five were wholesale outlets, and 15 were grocery stores. This breakdown sheds light on the diverse impacts on various businesses within the market.
Government’s Ongoing Assessment and Investigation
Chief Minister’s Communication with Authorities
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha, in collaboration with the Additional District Magistrate, is actively involved in assessing the accurate amount of losses. This section emphasizes the government’s commitment to a thorough investigation.
Support and Gratitude
Timely Arrival of Fire Tenders
Due to the timely arrival of fire tenders, the spread of the fire was prevented. The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the fire service personnel for their dedication and prompt response, underscoring the importance of their role.
Government’s Active Investigation and Support
The Chief Minister stated, “Our government officials are actively investigating the matter and exploring ways to assist those affected.” This section outlines the government’s ongoing efforts to provide support and assistance.
CPIM State Unit’s Visit and Demand
CPIM Leader Manik Dey’s Demand
A delegation of the CPIM State unit, led by Manik Dey, visited the spot. Dey demanded adequate compensation for the victims, highlighting the need for support beyond governmental assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What caused the fire in Battala Market? The fire is suspected to have originated from an electrical short circuit.
- How many shops were affected in the incident? At least 155 shops, mainly small vendors, were reduced to ashes.
- What types of shops were impacted? Among the affected shops, 130 were vegetable vendors, five were poultry shops, five were wholesale outlets, and 15 were grocery stores.
- Did anyone suffer injuries in the incident? No injuries have been reported so far.
- What actions has the government taken to assist affected shop owners? Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha visited the site, assured assistance, and is actively involved in assessing the losses.
- What is the CPIM State unit demanding for the victims? The CPIM State unit, led by Manik Dey, is demanding adequate compensation for the victims.
Conclusion
Rebuilding and Resilience: A Community Unites
As Battala Market faces the aftermath of a devastating fire, the community unites in rebuilding and demonstrating resilience. The prompt response by authorities, ongoing investigations, and demands for compensation emphasizes the collective efforts needed for recovery.
