Kidderpore Market Fire — A day after a devastating blaze gutted large portions of the historic Orphanganj Market in Kidderpore, small fires continue to smoulder inside the wreckage, delaying forensic examination and stalling full recovery efforts. Meanwhile, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has kickstarted a massive rehabilitation plan for over 700 affected traders, who lost their livelihoods in what is being called one of the most destructive market fires in recent memory.
The Blaze That Brought Orphanganj Market to Its Knees
The fire broke out early Monday morning, sweeping through tightly packed stalls and shops selling garments, plastic goods, household items, and flammable materials. Despite the fire brigade’s prolonged efforts and deployment of multiple engines, the fire took hours to douse. Even now, underground materials and debris remain intermittently ignited, preventing entry into several areas for cleanup and forensic inspection.
Officials have expressed concern over “pocket fires” still burning within heaps of charred goods and synthetic materials, posing hazards to personnel and delaying the identification of the exact cause.
KMC’s Rapid Response and Trader Rehabilitation
In a significant move, the KMC has already begun surveying the damage and planning the rehabilitation of impacted traders. The Market Department is mapping the extent of destruction—categorizing fully gutted, partially damaged, and unaffected stalls. KMC engineers and officials are working with trade associations to identify temporary relocation spaces within the same compound or nearby public land to ensure the earliest possible resumption of business activities.
Mayor Firhad Hakim confirmed that all registered traders will receive assistance and new space to operate from until permanent rebuilding can be completed. Compensation claims are also being streamlined, with forms distributed at the site and a helpline activated for affected vendors.
Kidderpore Market Fire: Forensics Delayed, Cause Still Under Probe
A forensic team from the state’s DD wing visited the spot to collect samples and determine the source of ignition. However, their investigation has been hampered by ongoing smouldering inside multiple stalls. As soon as fire officials declare the site fully secure, detailed sampling will begin to confirm the cause—suspected to be a short circuit.
No official suicide note or evidence of sabotage has been found yet, though authorities are not ruling out any possibility. CCTV footage from nearby shops and poles is being retrieved for analysis.
Police Await Formal Complaints
While locals and traders have expressed frustration, the police have not yet registered a formal FIR regarding sabotage or criminal negligence. Officers from the local police station are reportedly waiting for complaints either from the fire brigade or any affected party before beginning formal legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, the presence of flammable goods like polythene sheets, foam, synthetic cloth, and unregulated electric wiring has complicated both the fire suppression effort and the investigation.
Fire Brigade Efforts and Logistical Challenges
Fire department officials defended their response, stating that fire engines reached the spot shortly after 2 AM. However, they faced logistical hurdles due to the market’s cramped lanes and inadequate water supply. Water had to be drawn from the Adi Ganga, where heavy silt deposits made pumping difficult. The lack of dedicated hydrants in the market area also delayed containment.
The fire was ultimately controlled by daybreak, but not before it ravaged hundreds of stalls, leaving behind a blackened skeleton of what was once a bustling commercial hub.
Political Visits and Governmental Promises
Top state leaders including the Chief Minister, Fire Minister, and senior officials visited the market on Monday to assess the damage and assure immediate support. The Chief Minister promised full rehabilitation and hinted at long-term redevelopment plans to modernize century-old markets across the city.
Leaders of the opposition also arrived at the site, urging the government to investigate fire safety lapses and hold accountable any negligence in periodic inspections or infrastructure upgrades.
Traders Demand Accountability and Support
Traders have expressed concern over the future of their businesses. Many have lost entire inventories worth lakhs and are demanding interim compensation, free stall allotment in alternate markets, and interest-free loans for rebuilding stock.
“There was no proper fire exit, and wires were hanging loose all around. This was a disaster waiting to happen,” said a trader who lost both his storage unit and retail stall. “We just want a chance to start over. But we need help fast.”
KMC’s Long-Term Market Modernization Drive
The fire has renewed focus on KMC’s pending plans to upgrade old, congested private markets with modern amenities. Under the new plan, markets with multiple stakeholders, especially those not fully under KMC ownership, are being encouraged to undergo reconstruction via public-private partnerships. Plans include:
- Fireproof walls and roofing materials
- Emergency exits and wide lanes for vehicle access
- Underground water tanks with direct pipeline connections
- Fire extinguisher installations and mandatory compliance checks
- Stall layout regulations to prevent overcrowding and allow ventilation
Orphanganj Market is now a priority candidate for full-scale modernization.
Immediate Safety Inspections at Other Markets
In the wake of the Kidderpore fire, KMC has directed fire audits across other vulnerable markets in Kolkata, including Hatibagan, Jadubabur Bazar, Gariahat, and Lake Market. These audits will focus on:
- Exposed electrical wiring
- Inadequate water availability
- Improper stall construction using flammable materials
- Lack of emergency exits or safe pathways
Markets found violating fire safety norms may face closure or temporary suspension until corrective measures are taken.
Civil Society and Volunteer Response
Several local NGOs and community groups have started relief drives for affected traders, distributing food, water, basic clothing, and hygiene kits. Mental health support hotlines have also been opened in collaboration with local clinics to help vendors and their families deal with post-traumatic stress.
Lessons from the Ashes
The Orphanganj fire is not just a calamity—it’s a warning sign. It highlights the urgent need to:
- Enforce routine electrical and fire safety audits in congested commercial zones
- Improve accessibility for emergency services in dense areas
- Equip shop owners with basic fire training and safety gear
- Upgrade infrastructure while balancing heritage and livelihood preservation
Conclusion
The fire that consumed Kidderpore’s Orphanganj Market has left hundreds of families struggling for stability. But the KMC’s swift rehabilitation efforts, combined with public solidarity and political oversight, may provide the foundation for rebuilding a safer, more sustainable market system.
What remains essential now is not just restoration—but transformation: turning disaster into an opportunity to reimagine how Kolkata’s traditional markets can thrive without compromising on safety, dignity, or resilience.
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