Carry out structural stability check before resuming trade, Surat textile market told after fire guts 10 shops

The fire broke out in one of the shops on the fifth floor of the market in Punagam on Friday evening. Due to the inflammable material, the fire spread to neighbouring shops. Though sprinklers were used, they were not enough to control the flames, said Surat fire department sources.

The market has 1,300 textile trading shops.

Divisional Fire Officer Ishwar Patel told The Indian Express, “The textile traders in the market had made small chambers in the upper area of their shops, where they stock fabrics. Ten shops on the fifth floor were gutted in the fire caused by a short circuit. Due to the blaze, the concrete slabs on the ceiling, columns, and beams have fallen down. We have instructed the management committee to stop people from entering the market as it is dangerous. The textile market had Fire NOC and BUC (Building-use certificate).”

SMC’s Limbayat zone Deputy Commissioner N H Patel said, “We have issued notice to the Avadh Ruturaj market not to allow the traders to continue their business as the internal structure has become poor. We have told them to carry out the structural stability report from a government-approved firm. The power supply in the market has been disconnected.”

Avadh Ruturaj Textile market manager Vicky Sharma said, “Acting on the notice, we have started the procedure to hire a government-approved firm for structural stability report. Besides, we have contacted a government-approved electrical firm to get the certificate so that we can submit it to SMC and get our market functioning. The textile traders have been facing great losses with their shops remaining closed on Saturday.”