Union Minister Inspects Textile Market Damaged by Fire, Promises Rs 11 Lakh Aid
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Synopsis
Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil visited the fire-affected Shivshakti Textile Market in Surat, where a significant fire destroyed over 500 shops. He announced a relief fund of Rs 11 lakh to support impacted traders and discussed further government assistance plans.
Key Takeaways
- Patil visited the fire-hit Shivshakti Textile Market.
- Over 500 shops were destroyed in the fire.
- Financial assistance of Rs 11 lakh announced.
- FOSTA is coordinating relief efforts.
- Further aid from government is being sought.
Surat, March 1 (NationPress) Union Jal Shakti Minister and Gujarat BJP President C.R. Patil toured the fire-damaged Shivshakti Textile Market, where a catastrophic fire consumed over 500 out of 800 shops.
The intense blaze, which lasted for 32 hours before firefighters managed to control it, inflicted severe losses on local traders. The initial fire ignited in the basement of the four-story Shiv Shakti Textile Market on February 26, around 2:00 PM. Fire crews worked tirelessly for hours to bring it under control.
However, a second, even more devastating fire broke out on the upper floors on the morning of February 27. This subsequent fire was significantly more difficult to manage, requiring over 44 hours of firefighting efforts and the involvement of more than 500 personnel from the Surat Fire and Emergency Services (SFES), industrial teams, police, and the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC).
During his visit, Patil announced that the BJP would provide financial support of Rs 11 lakh to assist affected traders. He presented a cheque for this amount to the Federation of Surat Textile Traders Association (FOSTA), which has established a relief fund committee to aid traders in financial distress.
A delegation of five FOSTA representatives is scheduled to meet with the Chief Minister to request further assistance. The relief fund remains open for public donations, with contributions starting at Rs 5,000 and going up to several lakh rupees.
Patil confirmed that a formal proposal for additional government aid would be submitted and emphasized that efforts would be made to secure relief through various state and central government programs, providing hope to the distressed textile traders following this disaster.
