Shivaji Market Fire: Traders Peg Loss At Rs 2 Crore, Seeks Help From State Government And District Administration
Mubarak Ansari
Pune Camp, 16th March 2021: The fire that destroyed 25 shops at Shivaji Market, built in 1885, in the early morning today has caused a loss to the tune of Rs two crore, stated Manjur Shaikh, president of the Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Market Traders Association, in a letter to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
He sought immediate relief as the traders have not able to recover from the losses sustained during the lockdown period.
In his letter, Shaikh further stated, “We were able to do business at 30-35 percent of what it was before the lockdown. This fire has completely destroyed our business.”
According to the Pune Cantonment Board (PCB), 17 fish stalls and eight chicken stalls were completely gutted in the blaze which started around 3.50 am on Tuesday.
“A total of 25 shops in the fish and chicken section have been gutted in this incident destroying the complete building structure, the roof made of wood, tin and tiles. The probable cause is an electrical short circuit,” said PCB CEO Amit Kumar.
Cantonment Board President Brigadier Kuljit Singh visited the market in the evening. He was accompanied by Vikas Savlage, administrative member of the board. Cantonment Board Fire Chief Prakash Hasbe gave details of the incident.
Meanwhile, the cantonment board has sent a letter to the district collector demanding temporary rehabilitation and financial assistance for the traders.
