Bhubaneswar Unit-I Market Fire: BMC Mayor rules out compensation, flags safety violations by shopkeepers

After a massive fire gutted more than 40 shops at Unit-I Haat in Odisha's Bhubaneswar, Mayor Sulochana Das on Tuesday held shopkeepers responsible for the incident, citing repeated violations of safety norms and municipal regulations. The fire had prompted affected traders to demand compensation from the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), with several shopkeepers making emotional appeals for financial assistance.

However, the Mayor said the civic body had issued multiple warnings to the vendors well in advance, which were repeatedly ignored. She maintained that the BMC had made sustained efforts to address safety concerns at the market, but compliance remained poor.

Repeated Warnings Ignored

Addressing the media, Mayor Das said Unit-I Market had long been a cause of concern for the civic authorities due to unsafe conditions and unauthorised practices. “The Unit-I market has always been a matter of concern for us. We reached out to the shopkeepers several times and asked them to vacate the area. Whenever eviction was attempted, there was no cooperation. Plans were also made to relocate them to Bhagabanpur, as the current arrangement of shops in a very congested manner is extremely dangerous,” she said.

She further alleged that traders continued to add stalls despite repeated awareness campaigns. “There is a need to impose stricter restrictions on these vendors. The manner in which electricity was being managed inside the shops was highly unsafe. Many shops did not have authorised connections and relied on illegal electrical extensions. We had also warned them against selling inflammable items, but the instructions were ignored,” the Mayor added.

On the issue of compensation, Mayor Das said the BMC’s options were limited as the traders had not opted for insurance coverage. “The BMC cannot provide compensation as the shopkeepers did not register for insurance despite being given the option. However, we will formally approach the state government and seek basic relief for the affected traders,” she said.

Eviction And Fire Safety Measures Planned

BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana said future measures would prioritise public safety while ensuring livelihoods are not adversely affected. “Our arrangements must ensure a safe environment so that no one is harmed and livelihoods are protected. Illegal electrical connections, even after disconnections, pose serious risks, and stronger preventive measures will be taken,” he said.

Rana also announced that another eviction drive would be carried out in the area. He said a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for fire prevention had been prepared earlier to install fire hydrants, including near long-established shops. “Funds have already been sanctioned to the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) officers, and the project will be implemented soon,” he added.

Also Read: Massive fire engulfs Unit-1 Market in Bhubaneswar; around 40 shops reduced to ashes

He further stated that fire safety systems would be installed even in older market areas, and the proposed relocation of traders to Bhagabanpur would move forward once the necessary approvals and tender processes are completed.