Mormugao Municipal Council proposes fire insurance for markets

Following a devastating fire at the New Model Municipal Market in Vasco, the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) is proposing a comprehensive fire insurance scheme for all markets under its jurisdiction. MMC Chief Officer Siddhivinayak Naik stated that the plan aims to protect traders from fire-related losses through flexible premium payments, including daily installments, to avoid placing the full compensation burden on public funds.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has assured victims of the Vasco fire that the government will provide new shops and facilitate rehabilitation. The state has established three priorities: collecting details of affected vendors to expedite primary financial aid, identifying a site for market reconstruction, and conducting a detailed investigation into the cause of the fire and the emergency response.

A Revenue Secretary has been ordered to lead a fact-finding inquiry into the incident, which occurred on October 28, 2026. The investigation, expected within seven days, will evaluate the preparedness of fire and disaster management authorities. Meanwhile, the MMC is currently verifying 107 compensation claims against its records of 133 hawkers and 16 shops.