A file photo of a joint inspection of fire hydrants at the Vasco market in 2017.
Photo Credits: The Goan
VASCO
In the bustling municipal market of Vasco which is home to hundreds of shops, the threat of a fire disaster looms large. Despite multiple inspections, assurances, and discussions over the years, all four fire hydrants installed to safeguard the area remain non-functional.
The peril is exacerbated by haphazard electrical connections, congested shop layouts, and the storage of flammable materials like firecrackers, especially during festivals.
Shopkeepers remain fearful, and many have taken matters into their own hands by keeping portable extinguishers, though these measures are inadequate for large-scale incidents.
Incidents of fire have haunted the Vasco market for decades. Between short circuits and small-scale fires, the market has seen at least 15 reported mishaps. However, the fire hydrants – strategically installed to aid fire personnel in emergencies – have been ineffective.
In 2017, then Vasco Fire Station Officer Francisco Mendes confirmed that two fire hydrants were completely non-functional, while the remaining two lacked sufficient water pressure.
“Water hydrants are critical in areas where fire tenders cannot gain access. These hydrants can save crucial time and prevent large-scale destruction,” Mendes had stated.
Inspections and promises
The issue of non-functional fire hydrants was brought to the forefront in 2017 when the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC), Public Works Department (PWD), and Fire Department conducted a joint inspection.
Then MMC chief officer Agnelo Fernandes assured immediate action, proposing solutions such as connecting fire hydrants to an overhead water tank to ensure 24/7 availability. PWD officials even promised free water for the hydrants.
“Barricading fire hydrants and relocating them to the market periphery were among the key suggestions. These measures could prevent hydrants from becoming inaccessible during a fire,” Mendes had said.
Yet, these recommendations were never fully implemented. In 2018, MMC had issued a reminder to the PWD and fire department about the unresolved fire hydrant issue. Fernandes reiterated the need for an overhead tank and better water supply mechanisms.
A fire incident in the same year underscored the market's vulnerability, but the plans for restoration of fire hydrants stalled once again.
Seven years later, the fire hydrants are still non-functional and the situation remains grim.
A senior fire department source confirmed that the fire hydrants are still not fully operational. To make matters worse, MMC has failed to identify land for the proposed overhead tank, and no permanent solution has been implemented.
MMC Chairperson Girish Borker acknowledged the 20-year-old issue, stating, “We are short of land, but I will take this matter up with Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar and push for a government-level intervention. A permanent solution is long overdue.”
Experts believe a comprehensive plan is needed to address this critical issue. Steps include identifying land for an overhead tank to ensure a steady water supply, relocating fire hydrants to accessible locations, conducting regular maintenance and pressure tests of hydrants and training shopkeepers in basic fire safety measures and ensuring each shop has fire extinguishers.
The Vasco Municipal Market's fire hydrants, once installed with the hope of safeguarding lives and property, have become silent witnesses to years of neglect. Unless decisive action is taken soon, the consequences could be catastrophic.
The onus now lies on the MMC, PWD, and the government to ensure the safety of Vasco’s residents and shopkeepers before it’s too late.
