Team Herald
MARGAO: Despite an inspection of potential sites for the overhead water tank that took place 10 months ago, the authorities have failed to expedite work on the project in Margao till date.
This delay has sparked anger, particularly as the market areas in question—New Market and Gandhi Market—are considered high-risk for fire hazards.
Frustration among residents and traders in Margao over the lack of progress regarding a proposed overhead water tank meant to improve fire safety in the city's markets.
On January 3, a team led by then Additional Collector Dipak Desai conducted an inspection and identified a vacant plot near the pick-up stand as the proposed location for the water tank. The purpose of the overhead tank was to boost water pressure for fire hydrants in these markets.
However, no suitable land was found in the Municipal-owned New Market or Gandhi Market, forcing the team to focus on the pick-up stand area. Despite the urgency of the project, no substantial progress has been made since the inspection.
The situation has led to strong criticism from local residents and business owners, who argue that the authorities have shown little commitment to ensuring fire safety.
Shiva Naik, a concerned citizen, voiced the frustration of many, stating that the authorities' lack of action leaves the markets vulnerable to potential disasters. He pointed out that the construction of overhead water tanks as a fire safety measure has been a long-standing demand, and questioned the point of taking action only after a disaster occurs.
Srinet Kothwale, the current Additional Collector-I, assured that the issue would be brought to the attention of the newly appointed District Collector for South District. A follow-up would be conducted, but for many, this is seen as too little, too late.