Massive Fire Ravages Bokaro Market, Exposing Power Theft Menace
A devastating fire triggered by illegal electricity connections swept through Bokaro's bustling City Centre Market in Sector-4 on Tuesday night, consuming eight roadside shops and causing extensive damage. The incident has starkly highlighted the dangerous proliferation of power theft in Bokaro Steel Plant township areas, raising serious safety concerns among residents and authorities alike.
Fire Spreads Rapidly, Four Fire Engines Battle Blaze
The inferno originated from a number-plate maker's shop and quickly engulfed adjacent establishments within minutes, according to eyewitness accounts. Four fire tenders rushed to the scene and fought the raging flames for nearly one and a half hours before bringing the situation under control. Shopkeeper Sujal, one of the affected businessmen, described how the fire erupted suddenly and spread through the cluster of shops at alarming speed.
The financial impact has been severe, with goods worth approximately Rs 26 lakh completely destroyed in the blaze. Fortunately, despite the extensive property damage, no casualties or injuries were reported from the incident, providing some relief amid the devastation.
Illegal Power Connections: A Recurring Nightmare
Initial investigations conducted by authorities point directly to illegal electricity hooking as the root cause. Deputy Commissioner Ajay Nath Jha, who visited the site immediately after the incident, ordered a magisterial inquiry to determine the exact circumstances and identify those responsible.
District fire station in-charge Bhagwan Ojha revealed alarming statistics that put the incident in broader context. 105 fire incidents have been reported in the last 11 months alone, with more than two dozen directly linked to illegal electricity connections in BSL township areas. This pattern underscores the systemic nature of the problem and the urgent need for comprehensive solutions.
Encroachments and Exposed Wiring Create Constant Hazard
The scale of unauthorized electrical connections in the area is massive. Approximately 2,000 acres of BSL land have been encroached by hutments, makeshift shops, and cowsheds, all drawing electricity through dangerous, exposed wiring. These temporary and poorly installed connections frequently lead to short circuits, creating persistent fire hazards that endanger both lives and property throughout the community.
BSL's chief of communication, Manikant Dhan, confirmed that the fire resulted from a short circuit caused by illegal hooking. He explained that while town administration periodically conducts drives to remove such hazardous connections, they require the district administration's assistance to carry out full-scale enforcement against the widespread practice.
In response to the crisis, DC Jha convened a meeting with BSL officials on Wednesday to review the incident and develop strategies to address the underlying issues. The official acknowledged that the fire stemmed from illegal power connections and emphasized the need for coordinated action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
