Rs 200cr goods, rice gutted in Mandideep factory fire

BHOPAL: A major fire on the premises of Daawat Foods Limited in Mandideep industrial area, about 18 kms from Bhopal, on Saturday gutted goods worth crores of rupees. Acting collector of Raisen district, Anurag Choudhary told TOI, rice and goods worth Rs 200 crore were gutted. However, no loss of life or injury has been reported.
According to Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) fire department in charge Sajid Khan, fire was first noticed around 4.30 am and BMC officials were alerted.By the time fire brigade arrived, flames had already engulfed the rice stored in the factory. It is estimated that 500 metric tonnes of rice was destroyed. The flames were so massive that they could be seen from several kilometers away.
As many as 40 fire tenders were rushed to the spot and additional help was sought from Hoshangabad as Raisen did not had the desired fleet of fire brigade.
"Heat wave conditions are most likely to be cause of fire. It would take another 48 hours to completely douse the fire," said Khan. An insurance official on the spot said his initial estimate indicate to a loss of about Rs 80 crore.
Mandideep Industrial Association president Sanjay Khandelwal said, "We have been demanding a full-fledged fleet of fire brigade for the industrial area for well over a decade. Today's fire is yet another reminder for government to act fast."
A formal inquiry into the fire could be ordered soon. Choudhary has called a meeting of industries with the district administration on June 11. A plan to get a local fire fleet in Mandideep will be chalked out at the meeting.
Notably, a fire had occurred on the same premises in June, 013, which was caused due to a short circuit.