Nandram, Bagri Market's memory is still frightening in the minds of many people. Another fire broke out in a warehouse on Ezra Street near Lalbazar in the early hours of Saturday (November 15). Reportedly, around 16 to 17 shops in the vicinity were damaged in this accident. Be it the fire at the 13th floor Nandaram Market in Barabazar on January 12, 2008 or the fire at Bagri Market in Canning Street on September 16, 2018, in all cases, illegal shops had to be removed, and only then the fire brigade could reach the spot. The situation did not change much in the Ezra Street fire incident on Saturday. This time too, the traders had to remove the hawkers' belongings.
What is the situation of Ezra Street now?
According to the fire department, five fire engines initially went to the spot. Later 20 more fire engines reached the spot. The fire was almost brought under control with a total of 25 engines. Attempts were made to extinguish the pocket fire. How did this accident start? The fire department has not yet confirmed anything about this. It has been informed that this matter will be confirmed only after the forensic investigation. No casualty was reported in the incident. However, the damage was extensive. Traders claim that it is necessary to check all the items to confirm the financial loss.
What did the fire minister say?
State Fire Minister Sujit Bose visited the spot on Saturday. He gave a special message to the businessmen on this day. Sujit said, "Everyone has the right to do business. However, if business comes at the cost of endangering people's lives, it is not acceptable." He also said that the fire extinguishing facilities in that market will also be investigated.
What did the mayor say about the demand for illegal construction?
The spot falls within Ward No. 45 of the Kolkata Municipality. Santosh Pathak, the councillor and Congress leader of that ward, claimed that there were illegal constructions. He also claimed that, in 2023, a letter was sent to bring this matter to the mayor's attention.
However, Mayor Firhad Hakim visited the scene on Saturday and counterclaimed, "When illegal construction happens, no one informs. I meet the councillor twice a month. He never spoke about it." He also said that a high-level meeting will be held on the allegations of wire rigging and illegal construction in the area. Along with the local business association, CESC, police will also be present at that meeting. The mayor claims that if the construction is done illegally, it will be demolished.
