Massive Fire Guts Over 50 Shops in Paradip Vegetable Market, Traders Demand Permanent Zone

Paradip, Odisha (Feb 22, 2026): A devastating fire tore through Paradip’s Badapadia vegetable market in the early hours of Sunday, reducing more than 50 shops to ashes.

The blaze, which erupted around 2 a.m., destroyed cash, vegetables, and computers used for daily transactions.

The flames spread rapidly through bamboo and tarpaulin structures, leaving traders helpless as their livelihoods crumbled.

Firefighters deployed five tenders to battle the inferno for several hours before bringing it under control.

Authorities suspect mosquito coils or a short circuit as the possible cause, though investigations are ongoing.

The incident has reignited long‑standing demands from local vendors for a permanent vending zone.

Traders expressed frustration that despite repeated appeals, no proper facility has been constructed, leaving them vulnerable to such disasters.