A massive fire broke out in the Sethia Complex located in Manihari Katla, popularly known as Purohit Ji Ka Katla, in the Tripolia Bazaar area of Jaipur on Thursday morning. The incident occurred around 7 AM when the market was relatively empty. According to eyewitnesses and initial reports, the fire originated on the second floor of the complex, specifically in some cardboard cartons kept outside a clothing shop. Within a short span of time, the flames spread rapidly, engulfing adjacent shops and warehouses due to the presence of highly flammable materials.
Extensive Damage to Shops and Warehouses
The fire severely impacted the second floor of the complex, where more than 20 shops and warehouses were caught in the blaze. These establishments primarily dealt in garments, plastic goods, and traditional bangles. The intensity of the fire was such that thick plumes of smoke and high flames could be seen from distant areas, stretching from Subhash Chowk to Chandpole. The proximity of the Manak Chowk police station allowed for a quick initial response, as police personnel noticed the smoke and immediately alerted the fire department, while by 8 AM, five fire tenders had arrived at the scene to begin the firefighting operations. Later, about half a dozen fire vehicles, along with police and administrative officials, were deployed to manage the rescue and relief efforts.
Challenges in Firefighting Operations
Firefighters faced significant hurdles in controlling the blaze. The primary challenge was the nature of the goods stored inside the shops, including clothes and plastic items, which acted as fuel for the fire. Also, the shops were closely packed and many had their shutters down, causing smoke to fill the interiors and making it difficult for the personnel to enter. The narrow lanes of the old city market also posed a major logistical problem, as large fire tenders struggled to reach the exact location of the fire. The rescue teams had to work tirelessly to prevent the fire from spreading to the hundreds of other shops in the densely populated market area.
Allegations Against Illegal Restaurant Operations
Local traders have raised serious allegations regarding the cause and safety of the building. They pointed out that a restaurant is being operated on the floor above where the fire broke out. The traders claimed that this restaurant is running illegally and has been a source of concern in the past. They mentioned a previous fire incident that occurred on the roof of the same building during the Makar Sankranti festival. Despite a formal complaint being lodged at the Manak Chowk police station regarding these safety hazards, the traders allege that no concrete action was taken, which they believe contributed to the current disaster.
Concerns Over Fire Safety and Encroachment
Purohit Ji Ka Katla is a major wholesale hub for women's apparel, sarees, bridal lehengas, and wedding accessories, housing more than 535 shops. The incident has brought the market's poor safety infrastructure into the spotlight. Traders reported that many fire hydrants installed in the market are non-functional, with their valves and couplings missing. Also, exposed electrical switches and dangling wires throughout the market pose a constant threat of short circuits. Encroachment has also worsened the situation; the market's internal roads, which are supposed to be 5 feet wide, have been reduced to just 2 feet in many places due to goods being displayed outside shops. This congestion severely hampers movement and emergency response during such critical incidents.