What Measures Are Being Taken After the Kolkata Warehouse Fire?
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Key Takeaways
Kolkata, Jan 30 (NationPress) The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) announced a financial aid of Rs 2,00,000 for the families of each victim who lost their lives in the catastrophic fire incident at Anandapur in Kolkata, West Bengal.
Currently, the death toll has tragically risen to 25, and fears are growing that more individuals may be unaccounted for, suggesting the final toll could climb.
This financial support will be sourced from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
"The recent fire incident in Anandapur, West Bengal, is profoundly tragic and disheartening. My heartfelt condolences go to those mourning their loved ones. I wish for a swift recovery for the injured. An ex-gratia amount of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF will be provided to the next of kin of every deceased victim, while the injured will receive Rs 50,000," stated a release from the PMO, shared on their official X account.
In a prior announcement, the West Bengal government had pledged Rs 10,00,000 for each victim's family.
On Friday afternoon, Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, led a protest in Anandapur, accusing the Trinamool Congress-led state government of negligence.
He also alleged that the state intentionally avoided addressing the owner of "Wow Momo," where the fire broke out, citing the owner's companionship with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during her recent foreign visit.
While the police arrested the factory's manager and deputy manager on Friday, Adhikari dismissed these actions as superficial.
West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose visited the site of the disaster and pointed to administrative neglect as a contributing factor to this incident.
"Fire safety regulations must be strictly followed. Essential features such as fire alarms, extinguishing systems, and emergency exits were lacking. This disaster stems from human error. As Governor, I will soon issue an advisory to prevent such occurrences in the future. We must remain vigilant. I am not attributing blame to anyone, but effective administration would have averted such tragedies," the Governor commented.