DC N&M Andaman Inspects Site, Convenes Meeting with PRIs and Victims
Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 26: A massive fire broke out in the early hours of 26th October, 2025, at around 1 AM, in the old part of Rangat Bazar, near the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Auditorium and Murugan Temple. The blaze, which continued till around 6.30 AM, completely gutted 18 commercial establishments housed in the old wooden market structures. In addition, three residential houses and one RCC building belonging to the Temple Committee sustained partial damage.
Fortunately, no loss of life or injury has been reported. However, all goods and materials stored in the affected shops were entirely destroyed in the fire.
Shri Sushant Padha, IAS, Deputy Commissioner (North & Middle Andaman), personally visited the affected site alongwith AC(MA), SDPO, and representatives of the affected families to take stock of the situation. He interacted with the victims, inspected the damaged area in detail, and assured all possible administrative support. Subsequently, a public meeting was convened at the site with elected PRIs, affected shopkeepers, and residents, where Shri Padha expressed deep empathy for those who suffered losses and assured immediate and concrete relief measures. He directed the concerned Departments to take up the following actions on priority:
A comprehensive investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire;
Immediate constitution of a Damage Assessment Committee to evaluate the extent of loss; and
Early release of compensation to the affected shop owners and households.
The Revenue Department team, headed by the Assistant Commissioner, the Police team led by the SDPO, and the Fire Service personnel worked tirelessly throughout the night to bring the fire under control and to prevent it from spreading to adjoining parts of the market. The entire operation was carried out under the direct supervision of Shri Sushant Padha, IAS, Deputy Commissioner (N&MA), who continuously monitored the situation, coordinated inter-departmental efforts, and ensured that all necessary assistance was provided promptly and efficiently.
The Administration has expressed deep sympathy for the affected families and reiterated its commitment to ensuring timely relief and rehabilitation for all victims.
The participation and support of the general public during the crisis were highly commendable. The assistance provided by private water tanker owners and the excavator deployed by the National Highway authorities significantly strengthened the joint fire-fighting operation, enabling teams to control the blaze more effectively and prevent a major disaster.