Jaipur, September 18: A devastating fire at the Seth Complex in Jaipur’s Purhoit Ji Ka Katla area has left local traders in shock. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, resulted in significant losses for approximately 25 shops and warehouses. The aftermath saw a quiet market as traders assessed the damage outside their charred establishments on Friday.
The fire, which spread rapidly due to the presence of textiles, plastics, cosmetics, and lac bangles, posed challenges for firefighting efforts that lasted several hours. Fortunately, there were no casualties, as the blaze ignited before the market opened.
With the festive season approaching, traders are now facing substantial losses, estimated in crores, as their stock was largely destroyed. While an official government assessment of the damage is pending, affected shopkeepers are seeking financial assistance from the government and a permanent fire safety system for the market.
Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot visited the site on Friday to meet with the impacted traders. He inquired about the extent of the damage and the difficulties faced during firefighting efforts. Gehlot emphasized the need for the state government to step in to support the affected businesses and called for a government representative to listen to their grievances.
Traders have reported deficiencies in the fire safety systems in place. Gehlot noted that regular inspections of firefighting equipment in markets and large commercial buildings should be the responsibility of local authorities. He stressed that these systems must be functional not just on paper but also in real emergencies.
Gehlot also claimed that traders informed him that the fire-fighting systems in the market were not operational during the incident. This has raised further questions about fire safety protocols, with traders alleging that fire hydrants, smoke detectors, and other equipment were non-functional.
He praised the efforts of the fire brigade and the personnel involved in the rescue operations. Approximately 30 fire tenders and 50 to 60 firefighters were deployed, facing challenges due to narrow lanes and poor ventilation. The main fire was brought under control around 2:30 PM, but smoke and sparks continued to emerge from various sections until late evening.
Gehlot called for a thorough investigation into the issuance of fire No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for commercial buildings, insisting that proper checks on fire safety measures must be conducted beforehand. He alleged that political or other pressures sometimes influence the issuance of NOCs, which warrants an impartial investigation.
He also mentioned complaints regarding the alleged misuse of influence to obtain NOCs for nearby buildings. This claim has not been independently verified. Prior to this, Kishanpole MLA Amin Kaghzi had also demanded a re-evaluation of fire safety inspections in the walled city.
Gehlot expressed concern that had the fire occurred during business hours, the consequences could have been far more severe. Local traders echoed this sentiment, with the president of the Purhoit Ji Ka Katla Traders Association stating that if the fire had ignited around 11 AM, evacuating the large number of people present would have been extremely difficult due to the narrow pathways.
He concluded by urging the government to provide financial assistance to the traders affected by this disaster, highlighting that they contribute taxes and deserve support in times of crisis. The issue of compensation from insurance companies is a separate matter, but immediate assistance is crucial.
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