Bhopal, Oct 8 — A major fire at a chhole-bhature shop in Bhopal's densely crowded New Market on Thursday highlighted the challenges faced by emergency services in reaching the congested commercial hub, as encroachments and traffic obstructions reportedly delayed the movement of fire tenders.
The blaze, which broke out at the Balaji Chhole Bhature shop in the afternoon, spread rapidly to several adjoining establishments before being brought under control after more than an hour of firefighting.
Flames rose nearly 25 feet, while thick smoke was visible from around two kilometres away. The fire spread to around five to six shops and 10 to 12 roadside carts. No injuries or casualties were reported.
ACP Ankita Khatarkar said police acted immediately after receiving information about the fire and that the electricity supply to the affected area was switched off.
"Information was received about a fire at the Balaji Chhole Bhature shop inside New Market. The electricity supply was immediately switched off, and the fire brigade was informed," Khatarkar told IANS.
The fire reportedly intensified after two LPG cylinders kept inside the eatery exploded. Firefighters had to break open a wall of the shop to gain access and bring the blaze under control.
The flames subsequently spread to a kurta-pyjama shop, a mobile phone shop, a four-storey utensil store and a ready-made garment outlet. Several roadside carts were also gutted.
Shopkeepers said Diwali stock kept in their establishments was destroyed in the fire. The flames also engulfed the multi-storey utensil store, raising concerns about the risks faced by businesses operating in proximity within the market.
New Market is among Bhopal's busiest commercial areas, with hundreds of shops, eateries and roadside vendors operating within a relatively congested space.
Traders said encroachments and unauthorised stalls at key points made it difficult for fire tenders to reach the affected shops. Fire tenders reportedly faced obstructions near the New Market intersection and heavy traffic around a temple, prompting traders to raise the issue with the Mayor and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Bhagwandas Sabnani after the blaze was brought under control.
Sabnani said the incident should serve as a warning and promised action against encroachments.
Calling it a lesson for the city, he said New Market would soon be cleared of encroachments so that emergency vehicles could reach the market without obstruction.
The incident has once again brought into focus fire safety and emergency access concerns in one of Bhopal's busiest shopping areas, particularly ahead of the Diwali season when the market witnesses a sharp increase in footfall.