File photo of the market fire in the Margao markets and question over the delay in constructing the proposed overhead water tank.
MARGAO
After the Gandhi market fire on late Saturday raised alarm bells and brought to the fore fire fighting amenities in and around the Margao Municipal Council's congested markets, the overhead water tank proposed by the Margao Municipal Council over a decade ago is yet to see light of the day till date.
The overhead water tank was proposed by the Margao Municipal Council to ensure dedicated water supply to the congested markets and to boost fire fighting amenities. For, it was believed that time that the fire hydrants have remained defunct in the markets for want of adequate water pressure and continuous availability of water supply for the fire tenders.
After Saturday night’s fire incident, President of the Gandhi Market Vegetable and Readymade Garment Association president Rajendra Ajgaonkar was quick to point out the decade-old proposal to build an overhead water tank in the market area is yet to become a reality.
Incidentally, Margao MLA Digambar Kamat had last week pointed out work on laying a dedicated underground water line with fire hydrants will soon start at the markets. He said work on the project will be completed on top priority.
Sources, however, said that the question on the construction of an overhead water tank has not been resolved till date. The Goan understands that post-December 25, 2023 fire incident, officials representing different agencies had inspected the Pick Up stand area as a probable site for the construction of the overhead water tank. The proposal, however, has not become a reality till date over the issue of land, with MMC official saying the land in question is owned by the TCP department.
Officials of the PWD, water supply have told The Goan that the issue over the construction of the water tank will be decided at a later stage. “Right now, the PWD will lay a dedicated water pipeline around the congested markets with fire hydrants. This dedicated water line will have enough water pressure to meet the requirements of the fire tender. The issue of construction of an overhead tank can be decided at a later date”, the official added.
