A fire at Pratapnagar area in Agartala destroyed at least 19 shops on Friday, but no casualties were reported. This was the second fire incident within a week in Agartala.
According to sources, fire broke out from an electric short circuit and flames raged through the GI sheet roofed stalls provided by the Government to selected beneficiaries.
The market shed, adjacent to the affected stalls, was also damaged by the massive fire. Out of the 19 affected shops, at least a dozen shops were gutted in the fire while remaining seven shops were partially damaged.
Soon, three fire engine tenders rushed to the spot. After a few hours of relentless efforts the fire brigade personnel finally doused the fire with active support from the local traders and people from neighboring regions.
SDM Sadar Ashim Saha rushed to the spot and talked to the affected businesspersons. After his inspection visit, Saha said, “As per the primary assessment altogether 12 shops have been completely reduced to ashes. These shops are government sponsored GI sheet roofed stalls meant for the traders. Most of the traders used to deal in fruits and meat. Apart from that, 7 other traders also incurred serious losses due to the fire from the adjacent shed building”.
On providing compensation to affected traders, he said, primarily compensation will be disbursed from the SDRF funds. Meanwhile, assessment of the damage will be carried out and based on the assessment, affected traders will be compensated, Saha said.
Notably, on November 17, fire broke out at a slum area in Agartala in which several houses were destroyed. In that case also short circuit was cited as primary reason behind the devastating fire.