The Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) and state government’s officials on Wednesday attended a meeting with all affected traders of Battala vegetable market to prepare a master plan for their rehabilitation as well as to construct a modern infrastructure with all facilities for traders.

A devastating fire erupted in the wee hours of Sunday last engulfed the major parts of the vegetable market of Battala and above 155 shops totally gutted into ashes.

The massive fire incident broke out at about 2 AM and within seconds, the engulfment of the mysterious fire gripped hundred vegetable shops, few grocery shops along with few godowns. Immediately, firefighters rushed to the spot and after hours fighting massive flames, a total of six fire-tending engines managed to douse the fire.

 Even as impoverished and numbed vendors and shopkeepers were seen desperately trying to salvage something from the remains, nobody could say how exactly the fire had started-as a result of short circuit or for any other reason.

After four hours of efforts by firefighters and some local people, the fire was extinguished, causing a loss of crores, though a final estimate is yet to be made.

Later on Monday morning, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha visited Battala market in Agartala accompanied by Mayor of Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) Dipak Majumder and other officials interacted with the affected traders. The Chief Minister assured that necessary government assistance would be provided to the affected traders.

As per the instruction of the Chief Minister, the AMC Mayor accompanied by Commissioner Dr Shailesh Kumar Yadav and local councilors on Wednesday attended a meeting with all affected traders and leaders of market committees to chalk out a proper plan for their rehabilitation.

Later, speaking with media persons, AMC Mayor Dipak Majumder said that after the devastating fire, the Chief Minister and officials from both state government and AMC visited the fire ravaged area and assured all traders to take positive steps for their rehabilitation.

He said that the government is preparing a master plan after discussion with all affected traders to construct modern infrastructure in the Battala vegetable market, which will be equipped with modern fire extinguisher facilities, proper parking and adequate space for all traders.  He also said that from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), the government will give financial support to all traders to set up their business again in the market.

On Wednesday CPI(M) state secretary and MLA Jitendra Chaudhury along with some other party leaders also visited the fire ravaged area  and met the victim traders.

He said that the primary object is to address the challenges of the affected traders at the earliest and immediately disburse a rehabilitation package by the state government.

Speaking to the media persons, Chaudhury said that majority of affected traders are from very poor backgrounds and without government support, they will be unable to set their business again. All of the belongings in their small shops turned into ashes and the rehabilitation step from the government side at the earliest. He said that the government should prepare a master plan for construction of a new market in that place with all modern facilities for all traders as well as for customers.

Chaudhury also hoped that Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha will keep his commitment given to all affected traders after ravaging and will support them with financial aid.

On Wednesday, the leaders of All Tripura Merchant Association also visited Battala  market and after a meeting with traders and market committee leaders, also demanded for a proper rehabilitation package for them and construction of a new market.