West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has squarely placed the blame on enforcement authorities and warehouse owners for the tragic fire that erupted at a godown in Nazirabad, Anandapur, Kolkata, on Friday afternoon. The governor, who visited the site, emphasized the loss of precious human lives and called for accountability from all stakeholders involved.
Governor Demands Accountability and Proactive Measures
In a stern statement, Governor Bose asserted that the law enforcement agencies and the owner of the warehouse share equal responsibility for the mishap. He stressed the need for forceful and effective implementation of laws, timely inspections, and proper supervision to prevent such incidents in the future.
Precious human lives were lost in the fire. All the stakeholders involved in this, particularly the enforcement authorities, should own up to the responsibilities, Bose declared, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Call for Proactive Instead of Reactive Actions
The governor pointed out that there are specific steps that must be taken before, during, and after a fire, which were neglected in this case. There are steps that need to be taken before, during and after a fire. It was not taken in this case, he said, indicating clear negligence by the authorities. Bose advocated for a shift from reactive to proactive actions to enhance safety protocols.
Opposition Leader Leads Protest Rally
Later in the day, Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari spearheaded a rally to protest against the negligence that led to the devastating fire. Adhikari demanded the immediate arrest of the owners of the momo manufacturing company operating from the warehouse.
We will provide legal assistance to the victims' families. We are also demanding publication of a white paper on wetlands. The chief minister should visit the spot. Police are behaving in a lackadaisical way in her absence, Adhikari stated, criticizing the police response and urging Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to inspect the site.
Key Demands from the Opposition
Adhikari led a rally of BJP workers from Dhalai Bridge, pressing for several demands:
- Arrest of the warehouse owners.
- Legal aid for the families of the victims.
- Publication of a white paper on wetlands to address environmental concerns.
- A visit by the chief minister to the incident spot.
The protest underscored the political tensions in Bengal, with the opposition holding the state government accountable for lapses in enforcement and supervision.
Broader Implications for Kolkata
This incident has sparked a wider debate on safety regulations and governance in Kolkata. The governor's remarks and the opposition's protests highlight ongoing issues with law enforcement and administrative oversight in the city. As investigations continue, there is a growing call for stricter adherence to fire safety norms and timely inspections to prevent future tragedies.
The Nazirabad fire serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of negligence, urging authorities to take immediate corrective actions and ensure the safety of citizens.
