Fire after fire triggers safety push in textile markets

Surat: Repeated fire incidents, many suspected to have been triggered by short circuits, have pushed Surat’s powerful textile trade into a citywide safety overhaul, with plans to survey electrical systems in 240 markets housing around 1.5 lakh shops to prevent future disasters.

Surat’s textile markets have suffered significant losses due to fires in recent years. At least 20 minor and major incidents have been reported over the past two-and-a-half years, including the Shiv Shakti Textile Market blaze, which raged for more than three days.

To prevent a repeat, the Federation of Surat Trade and Textile Association (FOSTTA) Forum has launched an initiative to have electricals and wiring in textile markets tested and inspected for safety. The drive will cover 240 markets in the city. A trial survey will first be conducted in one market, following which the exercise will be expanded after operational issues are assessed.

To advance the project, FOSTTA Forum recently held a meeting with the Licence Holder Electricians Association after detailed consultations with officials of the power company.

During the meeting, participants reviewed multiple electrical concerns affecting textile markets. These included wiring needed for load extension, inspection of complete market rewiring, electrical safety systems and other technical issues. It was also decided that quotations would be prepared for the required work based on the needs of individual electricity connections.

The forum resolved to carry out market-to-market surveys in coordination with presidents and committees of various market associations. Each market will be examined separately to identify electrical risks, faulty wiring, overload concerns and other safety-related problems. Markets found to have such issues will then be inspected by authorized personnel from Torrent Power for detailed checks and corrective recommendations.

The initiative aims to prevent electrical accidents and provide a safer working environment for traders, shop owners and employees across Surat’s textile hubs.

“It is an initiative for a better business environment, trader welfare and the organized development of textile markets. The trial will be held in one market to understand operational issues and later all markets will be covered,” said Kailash Hakim, president, FOSTTA Forum.

Alongside electrical safety, FOSTTA Forum is also focusing on the regular maintenance of air-conditioning units installed in markets. The association plans to implement annual maintenance contract systems in every market to ensure AC units are serviced at least three times a year, reducing technical faults and the risk of accidents linked to poor maintenance.

FOSTTA said safety, convenience and orderly infrastructure remain its priorities, and that it will continue to work on issues related to trade interests and market security across Surat’s textile sector.