Did Mamata Banerjee Announce Compensation for Fire-Affected Shop Owners in Khidirpur?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, West Bengal's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, has announced compensation for the owners of 1,300 shops destroyed in a fire in Khidirpur. This announcement comes amid ongoing discussions about fire safety regulations and the rapid spread of the fire due to the congested area. Read on for more details!
Key Takeaways
- Mamata Banerjee announces compensation for shop owners.
- Each severely affected owner gets Rs 1,00,000.
- Temporary arrangements for business operations are being made.
- Local residents initiated firefighting efforts.
- Concerns raised over response time of fire services.
Kolkata, June 16 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, revealed on Monday that the state government will provide compensation to the owners of approximately 1,300 shops that were completely destroyed in a significant fire incident in the Khidirpur area of south Kolkata earlier that day.
Following her participation in the sixth day of the monsoon session of the state assembly, the Chief Minister, along with her cabinet members, visited the fire site in the afternoon to announce the relief package for the affected shop owners.
Each shop owner will receive a one-time compensation of Rs 1,00,000, and the state government will also facilitate an alternative marketplace for these business owners at no cost.
Until permanent arrangements are established, the Chief Minister assured that temporary spaces would be provided for the shop owners to operate during the interim period.
"The owners whose shops have been completely destroyed will receive Rs 1,00,000 in compensation, while those with partially affected shops will receive Rs 50,000," stated the Chief Minister.
She also instructed the city police to secure the affected marketplace with barricades.
The fire ravaged around 1,300 shops. Local residents initiated firefighting measures while also informing the central control line of the state fire services department.
However, due to the densely populated area where the market was situated, the fire spread quickly, engulfing the entire market area in a short time.
Local residents claimed that the fire would not have escalated to such a severe level if the fire services had arrived promptly. Nevertheless, state fire services minister Sujit Bose, who rushed to the scene in the morning, dismissed these allegations.
Minister Bose countered claims from shop owners, suggesting that some had been negligent in adhering to fire safety regulations.
Point of View
It is crucial to address the systemic issues surrounding fire safety regulations that have come to light following this tragic incident in Khidirpur. The swift response from the Chief Minister in providing compensation is commendable, yet it raises questions about the effectiveness of existing safety protocols and the need for more stringent enforcement in high-density areas.
NationPress
16/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What compensation will shop owners receive?
Shop owners whose shops were completely destroyed will receive a one-time compensation of Rs 1,00,000, while those with partially affected shops will receive Rs 50,000.
Will there be temporary arrangements for the shop owners?
Yes, temporary spaces will be provided to the shop owners to set up their businesses until permanent arrangements are made.
What caused the rapid spread of the fire?
The fire spread rapidly due to the congested nature of the marketplace, making it difficult for firefighting efforts to contain it in time.
Was the response from the fire services timely?
Local residents expressed concerns that the fire services did not arrive quickly enough, which contributed to the fire's escalation.
What has the government done in response to the incident?
The government has announced compensation for affected shop owners and is investigating fire safety regulations within the area.
