CM Mamata Banerjee Visits Kolkata Market, Announces Aid After Massive Fire Guts Over 50 Shops
The bustling Khidderpore wholesale market in Kolkata was devastated by a massive fire late on Sunday night, which destroyed dozens of stores and caused traders to lose a lot of money. Several firefighters responded immediately to the midnight fire and battled it for hours. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the site on Monday to discuss the situation with affected traders.
In order to allow firefighters to work without interference, she asked that people stay away from the area until the fire was completely extinguished.
“We’ve instructed the Mayor to fully reconstruct the market so that there are no issues in the future. The government will oversee the rebuilding process,” Banerjee said, addressing reporters at the site, as quoted by news agency ANI.
The Chief Minister made a financial aid announcement for the impacted shopkeepers, highlighting the extent of the damage. "To evaluate the damage, a thorough survey will be carried out. Shop owners who have had their establishments totally destroyed will be compensated with ₹1 lakh, while those who have only partial damage will receive ₹50,000, she said.
Massive Fire Guts Over 50 Shops At Kolkata's Khidderpore Market
Initial reports state that more than 50 stores have been damaged, and numerous traders claim losses in the thousands of rupees. The majority of the impacted stores sold clothing, accessories, and daily necessities. According to some store owners, their losses were exacerbated by their heavy stockpiling before Eid.
Authorities have opened an investigation, but the cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Due to the market's crowded layout and inadequate fire safety infrastructure, locals said the fire spread quickly.
Firefighters continue to cool the area while it is still cordoned off. After the damage assessment is finished, authorities promise that rehabilitation and reconstruction work will start right away.
Thousands of shoppers visit Kolkata's oldest marketplace, Khidderpore, every day. The event has brought up fire safety issues in the city's congested marketplaces once more.
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