A devastating fire that engulfed over 10 shops in the bustling D-Park market here on Tuesday has shattered the lives of families who lost their loved ones and dealt a severe blow to shopkeepers whose businesses and livelihoods were destroyed as flames reduced their shops and goods to ashes.
Meanwhile, the magisterial inquiry ordered by DC Sachin Gupta to ascertain the cause and circumstances of the incident has commenced. A committee headed by ADC Narendra Kumar visited the site.
Along with SDM Ashish Kumar and other panel members, the ADC conducted a detailed inspection of the affected area and collected crucial information for the investigation.
“The committee also inspected the rooftops of several shops and interacted with affected shopkeepers to gather first-hand accounts of the incident. Videography of the inspection was conducted to document the findings. Since the committee has been directed to submit its report within 15 days, efforts are being made to complete the inquiry within the stipulated timeframe,” said an official, requesting anonymity.
Three persons, including the owner of a shoe showroom, and two employees, were burned to death after being trapped inside the establishment during the blaze. Several two-wheelers parked outside the affected shops, along with roadside rehris, were also gutted in the fire.
The state government has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives and financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to each injured person. However, traders have termed the compensation inadequate, arguing that it falls far short of the massive loss of life and property.
In the wake of the fire, Rohtak Municipal Corporation has appealed to all commercial establishments, market associations, shop owners, and traders to strictly adhere to fire safety norms and cooperate with the civic administration to keep markets free from encroachments.
“It is mandatory for all commercial buildings and establishments to comply with prescribed fire safety standards and obtain the requisite fire NOC. Market associations have been asked to ensure that commercial areas remain free from encroachments. Traffic congestion caused by unauthorised occupation often delays the movement of fire tenders and ambulances during emergencies,” said MC Commissioner Narendra Kumar.
He added that such delays can hamper disaster management efforts and increase the risk of major mishaps by preventing emergency services from reaching affected locations on time.
“All stakeholders are urged to comply with safety regulations and ensure unobstructed access routes in markets and commercial areas to facilitate swift emergency response,” Kumar said.
