In a tragic turn during Diwali celebrations, a massive fire erupted in the firecracker market near Garga Bridge on Thursday, completely destroying over 66 shops and devastating local vendors who rely on this seasonal income. The severe financial losses and panic sparked by the incident demanded urgent action.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Bokaro’s Deputy Commissioner (DC)  Vijaya Jadhav responded immediately, establishing a three-member committee to investigate the cause of the fire and assess safety protocols within the temporary market setup. Led by DDC Girja Shankar Prasad, with the City Deputy Superintendent of Police and the District Disaster Management Officer as members, the committee is tasked with a comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding the blaze.

DC Jadhav has mandated that the committee submit a detailed report within three days, with findings expected to clarify the fire's cause and provide recommendations for preventing similar incidents in the future. The investigation will focus on determining if safety protocols were followed and will outline steps for safer market arrangements, especially during festivals when the risk is high.

This swift administrative response highlights the urgent need for enhanced safety measures in temporary markets. The incident has intensified calls for stricter safety regulations and robust preparedness strategies, both to protect vendors’ livelihoods and to ensure public safety during high-risk festive seasons followed by adherence of safety protocols in all forms.