Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha on Monday visited Battala market in Agartala where several shops and the vegetable market shed were gutted in a massive fire incident late on Sunday night.
During the visit, the Chief Minister accompanied by Mayor of Agartala Municipal Corporation Dipak Majumder and others officials interacted with the affected traders.
Later speaking to the Media, the Chief Minister said, the total loss is yet to be ascertained and necessary government assistance would be provided to the affected traders.
“I have received information that a massive fire engulfed a part of Battala market. Many traders have suffered losses. I have come here with the Mayor, and I have spoken with the ADM. After a complete assessment, we can determine the accurate amount of loss. There were retailers and other shops as well that were damaged,” said Dr. Saha.
The Chief Minister mentioned that the preliminary assessment indicated that the loss amount would be more than Rs 1.5 crore.
He also praised the Fire Fighters for their prompt response in extinguishing the fire and preventing further spread of it.
“Our government officials are also inspecting the matter and determining how we can assist them. I have also spoken with the Mayor to provide immediate help. Preliminary findings suggest that this incident occurred due to a short circuit. This is indeed very sad news. Our government will assist the affected people in every possible way,” he added.
Devastating fire reduced a large part of the Battala market to ashes last mid night. The cause of the fire could not ascertaines as yet, but it is suspected that either electric short circuit or negligence on the part of some shop owner might have sparked off the fire.
When the fire was first noticed at around 3.30 am , the fire service was informed. But the fire fighters had a difficult time to douse the raging flames as the congested Battala market did neither have any fire escape or fire resistant facilities in place.
When the devastating flames were ultimately brought under control , a huge part of the market was already by then got reduced to ashes. The estimated loss could be to the tune several lakhs.
