Mapusa: Over the years, the Mapusa market has expanded several times over, with a surge in shops and vendors. During festive seasons, the market sees huge crowds. Despite this, serious fire safety concerns persist as the existing fire hydrant system remains outdated and in urgent need of an upgrade. Ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, locals and market stakeholders are pressing for immediate action to ensure preparedness in case of a fire.
Every year during major festivals, stakeholders and government authorities raise concerns over the state of the hydrants. Temporary measures are sometimes arranged, but no permanent upgrades have been implemented.
“Last time we also raised concerns about couplings which are old and have damaged edges. As a result, we won’t be able to use them. At the same time, we don’t get sufficient water pressure. We have also asked the Mapusa Municipal Council to repair the damaged barricades around hydrants,” said the Mapusa fire station in-charge after a recent inspection.
On the Deputy Collector’s directions, a joint inspection of all hydrant points was carried out in the municipal market in view of the upcoming Ganesh festivities. Inspectors found that the system, now over a decade old, needed a complete overhaul. Fire personnel warned that water pressure would not be sufficient in case of a fire and noted that hydrant couplings were damaged and must be replaced before they can be used. Officials also proposed clear markings for hydrant locations.
According to available information, a fire hydrant system for Mapusa market was first proposed in 1977-78. It materialised only in 2008 when a revised tender was floated, leading to the installation of five hydrants at strategic points by 2011.
However, the Public Works Department connected the system to a domestic water line, causing low water pressure — a problem that has persisted. Fire and Emergency Services in Mapusa have repeatedly raised the issue over the years, warning that functional hydrants could be critical during the “golden hour” of a fire emergency.
Jitendra Falari, President of the Mapusa Merchant Association, said the matter is raised before Ganesh every year due to the risk of a major fire. “We have demanded that the government immediately take up work on fire safety measures in the market. Merchants have raised the concern before the Deputy Collector and other officials too,” he said.
Former councillor Tushar Tople demanded give a special package to the Fire Department so they can undertake upgrades.
“While the government set up a system for safety, it later forgot to check and upgrade it, and the same is happening with Mapusa fire hydrants. They have no future plans.”
Local vendor Sudesh Hasotikar said, “Over the years fire hydrant points were installed in the market to avoid fire incidents, but after installation no steps were taken to upgrade them. I demand the state government look into the issues and upgrade it.”
