Safety lapses continue to plague Bhopal’s New Market despite a fire at a chhole-bhature shop on October 8, with an inspection on Tuesday revealing shops operating beneath electrical transformers, overhead power cables, encroachments in narrow lanes and inadequate firefighting facilities. The market has around 800 to 900 shops, and the shortcomings have raised concerns amid an expected increase in shoppers during the festive season. Shops operating beneath transformers: Eight electrical transformers were found in the market during the inspection. A clothing shop was operating directly beneath one of them, while electrical wires were seen passing over several shops. A short circuit could trigger a fire that may spread rapidly through clothes and other combustible materials. The findings underline the need to inspect electrical installations and strengthen safety measures around transformers. Food outlets raise additional safety concerns: At least four outlets selling chhole-bhature and other food items operate in the market, with kitchens facing outward and clothing and plastic goods shops nearby.

 

The presence of combustible materials close to gas cylinders and cooking stoves could increase the risk of a fire spreading. Firefighting equipment and compliance with fire safety standards at these establishments need to be checked. Encroachments narrow market lanes: Goods displayed outside shops and handcarts occupying public spaces have narrowed several lanes, potentially obstructing evacuation and delaying the movement of fire engines and ambulances during an emergency. No dedicated water tank for firefighting was observed during the inspection, raising further concerns about the market’s preparedness to deal with a major blaze. Traders seek regular police deployment: A police booth outside the market was found locked on Tuesday. With large numbers of people visiting the area daily and the possibility of theft, harassment and other incidents, the booth’s closure has raised questions about security arrangements. Residents and traders have called for it to be made operational and adequately staffed. Market association cites obstruction during blaze: New Market Traders’ Association’s President Pradeep Gupta said that he had met the Municipal Commissioner to seek improvements in market arrangements, including issues related to swings and decorative installations. According to Gupta, a swing obstructed the fire brigade’s movement during the recent blaze, but the arrangement had not been removed even after the incident.

 

 

Encroachments must be removed: Narrow lanes should be cleared to ensure unobstructed access for fire engines and ambulances during emergencies. Transformers must be secured: Shops operating directly beneath transformers should be removed, and electrical wiring across the market should be inspected. Fire safety audit must be conducted: A joint team from the municipal corporation and fire brigade should inspect all shops and assess compliance with fire safety requirements. Fire extinguishers must be mandatory: Establishments failing to meet prescribed safety standards should face action in accordance with applicable rules.

 

 

Saurabh Kumar Patel, Fire Officer with the fire brigade, said that meetings had been held with traders to discuss measures to improve fire safety following incidents such as the recent blaze. A fire hydrant system is planned across the market through public participation, with 11 hydrants proposed at intervals of around 45 metres. He said that market employees would also receive fire safety training. A fire engine would be driven through the market daily to check road accessibility and identify potential obstructions. Authorities would also take steps to remove encroachments and mark clear passageways with yellow lines to ensure that fire engines can reach affected areas quickly during emergencies.