Rajya Sabha MP and Gujarat Congress President Shaktisinh Gohil on Tuesday alleged that 900 shops were destroyed in the massive fire at Surat’s Shivshakti Textile Market, with no compensation provided to the affected traders. Raising the issue during Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha, Gohil criticised the negligence of the authorities and demanded that the government offer financial assistance from the National Disaster Relief Fund.
The fire, which initially broke out in the basement of the market on February 25, reignited around 1 am on February 26. It raged uncontrollably for 32 hours before being brought under control on February 27.
Over 40 fire trucks used more than 4 million litres of water to extinguish the flames, with cooling operations continuing in the aftermath.
Gohil highlighted the severe impact on small-scale traders who had stockpiled large quantities of goods due to a market slowdown. “Most lacked adequate insurance coverage, leaving them financially ruined. As many as 900 shops were destroyed,” he said.
He further alleged negligence by the local authorities, stating, “Around 1:30, the fire started. Fire brigade and police officials came to the spot and left in the evening without properly ensuring that the fire had been doused. They have shown irresponsibility, as alleged by the locals.”
Gohil also referred to a fire incident at a textile market in 2020 and urged the government to learn lessons from past tragedies. “I urge the state and central government to take all necessary precautions. Innocent lives are suffering due to negligence,” he said.
He called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the textile market and assess the situation. “I had posted on social media, tagging PM Modi, requesting him to visit the Shivshakti Textile Market during his trip to the city. However, he did not,” Gohil added.
The market, primarily a hub for sarees, was devastated, with 450 shops completely reduced to ashes. Traders estimate losses between Rs 300 crore to Rs 400 crore, making it one of Surat’s worst market fires in recent years.
“Millionaires have been reduced to paupers,” said Nemaram, a trader at the market. “There’s no certainty on when shops will reopen. It’s all in the hands of the officials now.”
Sunil Kothari, the president of the Shivshakti Market, stated that around Rs 90 crore worth of sarees were salvaged, though many were severely damaged by smoke and water.
Sarees that once sold for Rs 300 to Rs 400 per piece are now being offloaded at around Rs 35 per kilogram, equating to roughly Rs 17.50 per saree.
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