Massive Fire Engulfs Kolkata's Khidirpur Market, Guts Over 1,300 Shops
A devastating early morning fire in a busy marketplace in South Kolkata's Khidirpur area destroyed over 1,300 shops. Twenty fire tenders battled the blaze, eventually bringing it under control and preventing further spread. No casualties were reported. While officials investigate the cause, local traders alleged delays in the fire department's response, a claim denied by the state fire services minister who assured a probe into the incident.
Unpacked:
With over 1,300 shops destroyed, local traders face significant economic losses, including the loss of goods, livelihoods, and daily income. The marketplace, a key commercial hub, will likely see a prolonged disruption affecting supply chains and employment. Recovery could depend on government relief measures and insurance coverage, if any.
Past incidents in Kolkata markets have highlighted inadequate fire safety measures, such as lack of fire alarms, poor evacuation routes, and insufficient firefighting equipment. Regular fire audits and upgrades are often recommended, but many markets still lack robust safety protocols, possibly contributing to the scale of such disasters.
Officials have announced a probe into the fire’s cause. Recent efforts in Kolkata include forming task forces, conducting third-party fire audits, and training disaster management teams to ensure better preparedness and compliance with fire safety regulations in commercial areas.
Kolkata has experienced several major market fires, such as the 2018 Bagree Market fire, which exposed gaps in fire safety compliance and emergency response. These incidents have led to calls for stricter enforcement of safety norms, regular audits, and upgrades to infrastructure, though implementation remains inconsistent.