Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday announced financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of two people who died in the massive fire at Gaondevi Market in Thane district of Maharashtra.
The victims included a fire brigade official and a security guard who lost their lives during the firefighting operation.
Shinde made the announcement after visiting the fire-hit market and reviewing the situation with civic officials.
A major fire broke out at the Gaondevi Market area in Thane in the early hours of Thursday, causing extensive damage to shops and commercial establishments.
During the operation to control the blaze, Station Officer Sagar Suryakant Shinde from the fire department lost his life. A security guard, identified as Kalu Shankar Gadekar, also died in the incident.
Two injured fire brigade personnel will receive financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh each, the Deputy Chief Minister said.
Electrical and structural audits ordered
Speaking to reporters after inspecting the site, Shinde described the incident as “extremely unfortunate” and paid tribute to the deceased.
He said the government has ordered immediate electrical and structural audits of Gaondevi Market as well as other markets across Thane city to prevent similar incidents in future.
Shinde also announced that the families of the deceased firefighter would receive Rs 12 lakh insurance support in addition to the Rs 10 lakh civic compensation.
Traders to get shops restored within 10 days
The Deputy Chief Minister said many traders and stall owners suffered heavy losses as the fire broke out late at night, leaving them with no time to save their goods.
He directed the Thane Municipal Corporation to immediately begin cleaning and restoration work at the market.
According to officials, electrical repair work and other restoration activities will be completed within the next 10 days so that traders can resume business operations.
Shinde visits injured firefighters in hospital
Later, Shinde visited Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa to meet the injured firefighters undergoing treatment.
He reviewed their medical condition with doctors and instructed officials to ensure proper treatment. He also said the injured personnel should be shifted to a private hospital if required.
Several civic officials, political leaders and local representatives accompanied him during the visit.
