West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday visited the fire-ravaged market on Orphangunge Road at Khidderpore here and announced a comprehensive rehabilitation plan, including the construction of a new market, financial assistance for affected traders, and temporary rehabilitation arrangements for business continuity.
Banerjee said a detailed investigation and assessment of the damage caused by the pre-dawn blaze at the nearly 150-year-old market would be carried out. "I have spoken to the mayor and a new market will be constructed at the affected site with a modern, scientific and safe design, including a proper fire management system. You will not have to spend anything. The government will build this market so that you don't face problems in the future," she assured the affected traders.
The chief minister, who left the state Assembly for a visit to the fire-ravaged site a few hours after the flames were doused, also announced financial aid to shop owners based on the extent of damage.
"Traders whose shops were completely destroyed will receive ₹1 lakh, covering the cost of reconstruction and materials. Those who suffered partial damage will receive ₹50,000 in assistance. Additionally, ₹10,000 will be given to affected families immediately to help sustain their livelihoods. These amounts will be disbursed only after relocation," she said.
To help affected traders continue business, Banerjee said the market will be temporarily relocated to a nearby site till a new structure is built.
Also read: Unemployed teachers on indefinite hunger strike in Kolkata
"We are finalising the relocation site in consultation with the councillor and the mayor. A spot has already been identified. Your market will be temporarily shifted there so that your business, livelihood, and family life can continue without major interruption," she said.
“The Kolkata Municipal Corporation will rebuild the market,” Banerjee assured, saying, “Until then, traders will be allowed to set up temporary stalls nearby. And let me make it clear— no one will have to pay anything for the new market infrastructure.”
Banerjee added a survey will be conducted to identify the beneficiaries, and that no new person will be allocated shops in the proposed market. Municipal authorities are expected to begin the survey work immediately to assess the extent of damage and initiate relief distribution. The state government is also coordinating with fire and disaster management departments to ensure that safety protocols are reviewed to prevent such incidents in the future.
"We are ready to help, but we need a complete report to find out whose shops were completely or partially burnt. This will be done through a proper inquiry and site enquiry," she said, adding, "The survey process will take some time to complete, but it is essential to determine the extent of losses that people here have suffered. You have to bear with us till then." Highlighting the need for fire preventive measures, the chief minister urged traders and market-goers to regularly inspect gas cylinders and air conditioning units placed in unsafe areas.
"Do you ever test your gas cylinders? If not, they could cause fires. We use them at home and never test them. The same goes for AC machines. This leads to accidents. You must take care of these things," she cautioned.
Fire ravaged the famous Khidderpore market place shortly after 1 am on Sunday, reducing at least 1,300 shops to ashes and causing massive financial loss to local traders.
According to officials, some shops were completely destroyed while others suffered partial damage in the fire that swept through the densely packed marketplace. Locals attempted to control the blaze in its early stages, but the intensity of the fire proved overwhelming. It took the combined effort of 20 fire engines several hours to bring the inferno under control.
Also read: Mamata writes to PM after Tagore house vandalised in Bangladesh
However, residents alleged that the fire services and police were late to respond, claiming that nearly two hours passed before firefighting operations began. Addressing the concerns, Fire Minister Sujit Basu stated that engines had been dispatched promptly from Watgunge and Garden Reach, but navigating the congested locality took time.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Follow us
