Bhubaneswar, June 18: In a major step towards strengthening fire safety at the city's prominent Unit-I Market, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to install an advanced water sprinkler-based firefighting system to prevent large-scale fire accidents.
The initiative comes in the wake of two major fire incidents reported at the market within the last five months, which gutted more than 80 shops and caused extensive losses to traders.
Under the proposed project, automatic water sprinklers will be installed throughout the market. In the event of a fire, the system will automatically release water at the affected location, helping contain the blaze before it spreads further.
For implementation of the project, the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) has provided financial assistance of ₹26 crore to BMC. The civic body is expected to float tenders shortly, following which construction work will begin.
According to officials, a large underground water reservoir and a pump house will be constructed in the market's parking area. A dedicated pipeline network will be laid across the market, with sprinklers installed in front of every shop.
Prior to finalising the project, a joint team comprising officials from BMC, OSDMA and the Fire Services Department conducted a detailed survey of the market premises.
Once operational, the firefighting system is expected to significantly enhance safety measures and reduce the risk of devastating fire incidents at the market. More than 1,300 shopkeepers are likely to benefit from the project.
The Unit-I Market Traders' Association has welcomed the move and expressed gratitude to BMC for taking steps to safeguard the livelihoods of traders and ensure the safety of the market.
