16 Shops Gutted in Pre-dawn Fire at Poorna Market

A major fire broke out in the early hours of Tuesday, destroying at least 16 shops that dealt in pooja articles and temple-related materials at the well-known Poorna Market. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, but traders estimated the losses to be around Rs 50 lakh.

Officials indicated that the fire spread quickly due to the proximity of the shops within the market premises. District Fire Officer G. Renukaiah stated that the Fire Department received a call at approximately 1:40 a.m. and dispatched two fire tenders, including one from Marripalem. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly two hours before finally bringing it under control.

While the exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined, preliminary findings suggest it may have been due to a short circuit, according to the District Fire Officer, who added that a detailed inquiry has been ordered.

Mayor Peela Srinivasa Rao and Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation Commissioner Ketan Garg visited the market to inspect the damage and interacted with affected traders. They directed officials to take measures to prevent similar incidents in the future and assured the shopkeepers of all possible assistance.

With many traders having salvaged goods outside their shops, the Mayor instructed Zonal Commissioner Mallaiah Naidu to deploy two watchmen to guard the materials and coordinate with the police for nighttime patrols in the area.

The Mayor also announced that the GVMC would undertake comprehensive development of Poorna Market and informed the traders that construction of a new complex would begin shortly to enhance infrastructure and safety standards.

Visakhapatnam South MLA Ch. Vamsikrishna, along with GVMC officials, also visited the market to review the situation and assured the affected traders of government support as soon as possible.