Trial by fire: On fire accidents in West Bengal

West Bengal should rebuild (पुनर्निर्माण करना, दोबारा बनाना) its crumbling (ढहता हुआ), hazardous (खतरनाक, जोखिमपूर्ण) infrastructure (आधारभूत संरचना, बुनियादी ढाँचा)

What is it with West Bengal and fires? Since 2025, there have been major fires, in hotels and in godowns (गोदाम, भंडारगृह), claiming some 65 lives, many of them poor and migrant workers (प्रवासी श्रमिक, प्रवासी कामगार) and pilgrims (तीर्थयात्री, धार्मिक यात्री). The State seems to be (ऐसा लगता है, प्रतीत होना) an egregious (बेहद खराब, अत्यंत निंदनीय) case of the generally (आम तौर पर, सामान्यतः) poor fire safety record of Indian factories, industrial facilities (सुविधा, प्रतिष्ठान) as well as (साथ ही, के अलावा) cities and towns built on top of (के अलावा, इसके अतिरिक्त) greed (लालच, लोभ), a disregard (उपेक्षा, अनदेखी) for laws, corruption (bribery, malpractice, dishonesty, graft, deceit, fraud, malfeasance), and scant (little, minimal, limited, negligible) respect (due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others; regard, reverence, deference, consideration) for lives and property (possessions, belongings, assets, real estate). The Shikha Inn was housed (accommodate, shelter, lodge, contain) in a century-old (having existed or continued for a hundred years; longstanding, ancient, very old, age-old) building on Mirza Ghalib Street in Kolkata, which apparently (seemingly, evidently, ostensibly, outwardly) had several hotels — on each of its five floors. It was obviously (clearly, evidently, plainly, patently) not built to be a hotel. Shikha Inn is typical of (characteristic of, representative of, indicative of, in keeping with) what happens in India, where old buildings with electrical systems designed for a certain load (the amount of electrical power a system is designed or expected to handle; power demand) are quickly repurposed (to adapt or alter for use in a different purpose; reuse, recycle, modify, convert), and modern equipment is added without any consideration (careful thought or attention given to something; thought, deliberation, reflection, contemplation) of whether the system can handle (to manage, control, or cope with a situation, demand, or problem; manage, deal with, take care of, tackle) the air-conditioners, washing machines, heaters and induction stoves. The August 17 fire in Tarapith was apparently electrical too and the killer (a thing that causes death or destruction; deadly factor, cause of death) was the smoke (fumes, exhaust, vapour, smog). The fire spread rapidly because the pilgrim hotel used flammable (easily set on fire; combustible, inflammable, incendiary, ignitable) materials extensively (widely, broadly, comprehensively, vastly). Rituraj Hotel, which caught fire in April 2025, had also been repurposed. With just one stairway (staircase, steps, stairwell), the fire on the first floor cut off (block, sever, obstruct, intercept) escape, and, just as (in the same way as; exactly like, in the same manner, similarly to, much like) in the Mirza Ghalib Street fire, smoke trapped (to prevent someone from escaping from a place; confine, catch, corner, enclose) those above.

For the new BJP government in West Bengal, the accidents have provided more fodder (material that provides an opportunity or basis for criticism, discussion, or attack; ammunition, material, fuel, opportunity) for its attacks (assault, onslaught, criticism, censure) on the TMC. Though (despite the fact that; although, even though, albeit, notwithstanding) Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari called (describe, label, term, designate) the Kolkata fire “impossible to ignore (so prominent, important, or severe that it cannot be overlooked; conspicuous, undeniable, glaring, unmistakable)”, he nevertheless (in spite of that; nonetheless, however, yet, still) blamed (to assign responsibility for a fault or wrong; hold responsible, condemn, accuse, find guilty) a “legacy of negligence (the continuing harmful effects left by long-term failure to act properly or responsibly; lasting neglect, accumulated negligence, inherited failure, continuing disregard)”. This may well be true but serves little purpose. The present government has, similar to its predecessor (a person who held a job or office before the current holder; forerunner, precursor, antecedent, prior office-holder), a dedicated (specifically assigned or committed to a particular purpose or function; devoted, committed, designated, specialised) Fire Minister. There have been promises (pledge, vow, commitment, assurance) of robust (strong, vigorous, resilient, tough) action such as (for example; for instance, specifically, like, namely) a Statewide safety audit (safety review, safety inspection, safety assessment), but the focus seems to be more on the TMC than on corrective (designed to fix or remedy a problem or fault; remedial, rectifying, restorative, therapeutic) action. Mr. Adhikari should dismount (to get off a horse, bicycle, or motorcycle (here used metaphorically to stop dwelling on a particular political issue); alight, get down, descend, step off) the campaign horse (a subject or issue that a politician repeatedly uses to gain an advantage; political talking point, recurring issue, hobbyhorse, pet subject, political issue, campaign theme, political weapon, election plank) and look at (to direct one’s attention to something; observe, examine, inspect, consider) the elephant in the room (a major problem or controversial issue that is obviously present but avoided as a subject for discussion because it is more comfortable to do so; glaring issue, unaddressed problem, obvious truth, unspoken issue) — crumbling infrastructure. In its first 100 days, the government has been rather silent (relatively unwilling or inactive in speaking or taking action; quiet, muted, subdued, uncommunicative) on the creaky (old, dilapidated, and in bad condition; decrepit, worn-out, rundown, dilapidated) infrastructure of West Bengal — a State with a rich history (a past filled with culturally, politically, or socially significant events; significant past, vibrant heritage, colourful background, glorious past) of urban life, industrialisation (the development of industries in a country or region on a wide scale; modernization, mechanization, manufacturing development, technological advancement), culture (the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively; heritage, civilization, society, customs) and progressive politics (political ideas supporting social reform, greater equality, and forward-looking change; reformist politics, liberal politics, progressive ideology, reform-oriented politics) that once led the nation, but now lags behind much of (a large part or amount of something; a large portion of, a great deal of, a significant part of, a majority of) India in roads, buildings, amenities (a desirable or useful feature or facility of a building or place; facility, service, convenience, benefit) and governance (administration, management, rule, control). Urban renewal (regeneration, revitalization, restoration, rehabilitation) is the stock-in-trade (the typical characteristics or behaviour of someone or something; forte, trademark, hallmark, specialty, characteristic) of the BJP across India and West Bengal will be well served (benefited, aided, assisted, helped) by a State BJP that adopts (to choose to take up, follow, or use; embrace, take on, assume, espouse) it. Heritage (tradition, history, ancestry, legacy) buildings and conservation (preservation, protection, safeguarding, upkeep) have their own value (the importance, worth, or usefulness of something; worth, merit, significance, importance), including for tourism, but require careful planning to suit today’s needs. Mr. Adhikari should place governance above petty politics (small-minded or trivial political disputes pursued for narrow political advantage; narrow politics, partisan bickering, political squabbling, factional politics) and focus on (concentrate on, center on, zero in on, fixate on) infrastructure.

Courtesy: The Hindu

Important Word List With Meaning

1.rebuild (verb)

Hindi Meaning - पुनर्निर्माण करना, दोबारा बनाना
English Meaning - to build something again after it has been damaged or destroyed; reconstruct, recreate, restore, remodel.

2.crumbling (adjective)

Hindi Meaning - ढहता हुआ
English Meaning - breaking or falling apart into small fragments, especially as part of a process of deterioration; decaying, disintegrating, collapsing, deteriorating.

3.hazardous (adjective)

Hindi Meaning - खतरनाक, जोखिमपूर्ण
English Meaning - risky or dangerous; perilous, unsafe, treacherous, precarious.

4.infrastructure (noun)

Hindi Meaning - आधारभूत संरचना, बुनियादी ढाँचा
English Meaning - the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise; framework, facilities, physical assets, public works.

5.godown (noun)

Hindi Meaning - गोदाम, भंडारगृह
English Meaning - warehouse, storehouse, depository, repository.

6.migrant worker (noun)

Hindi Meaning - प्रवासी श्रमिक, प्रवासी कामगार
English Meaning - a person who moves to another country or area in order to find employment, in particular seasonal or temporary work; transient worker, immigrant worker.

7.pilgrim (noun)

Hindi Meaning - तीर्थयात्री, धार्मिक यात्री
English Meaning - a person who journeys to a sacred place for religious reasons; devotee, worshipper, traveler, crusader.

8.seem to be (phrase)

Hindi Meaning - ऐसा लगता है, प्रतीत होना
English Meaning - to give the impression of being something; appear to be, look like, give the impression of being, come across as.

9.egregious (adjective)

Hindi Meaning - बेहद खराब, अत्यंत निंदनीय
English Meaning - outstandingly bad or shocking; appalling, horrific, terrible, awful.

10.generally (adverb)

Hindi Meaning - आम तौर पर, सामान्यतः
English Meaning - usually, mainly, mostly, predominantly.

11.facility (noun)

Hindi Meaning - सुविधा, प्रतिष्ठान
English Meaning - a place, amenity, or piece of equipment provided for a particular purpose; establishment, premises.

12.as well as (phrase)

Hindi Meaning - साथ ही, के अलावा
English Meaning - in addition to; along with, besides, plus, together with.

13.on top of (phrase)

Hindi Meaning - के अलावा, इसके अतिरिक्त
English Meaning - in addition to something, especially something unpleasant; besides, in addition to, as well as, over and above.

14.greed (noun)

Hindi Meaning - लालच, लोभ
English Meaning - an excessive desire for wealth, profit, or possessions; money-hungry, avarice, acquisitiveness, rapacity, cupidity.

15.disregard (noun)

Hindi Meaning - उपेक्षा, अनदेखी
English Meaning - indifference, neglect, inattention, heedlessness.

16.trial by fire (phrase)

English Meaning - a test of someone’s abilities to perform well under pressure or in a difficult situation; ordeal, strict test, crucible, severe trial.

17.what is it with (phrase)

English Meaning - used to ask why someone or something is behaving in a particular, usually strange or problematic, way; what is the problem with, what is the issue with.

18.claim (verb)

English Meaning - to cause the loss of life; take, result in the loss of, cause the death of, cost.

19.poor (adjective)

English Meaning - of a low or inferior standard or quality; substandard, bad, deficient, inadequate.

20.corruption (noun)

English Meaning - bribery, malpractice, dishonesty, graft, deceit, fraud, malfeasance.

21.scant (adjective)

English Meaning - little, minimal, limited, negligible.

22.respect (noun)

English Meaning - due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others; regard, reverence, deference, consideration.

23.property (noun)

English Meaning - possessions, belongings, assets, real estate.

24.house (verb)

English Meaning - accommodate, shelter, lodge, contain.

25.century-old (adjective)

English Meaning - having existed or continued for a hundred years; longstanding, ancient, very old, age-old.

26.apparently (adverb)

English Meaning - seemingly, evidently, ostensibly, outwardly.

27.obviously (adverb)

English Meaning - clearly, evidently, plainly, patently.

28.typical of (phrase)

English Meaning - characteristic of, representative of, indicative of, in keeping with.

29.load (noun)

English Meaning - the amount of electrical power a system is designed or expected to handle; power demand.

30.repurpose (verb)

English Meaning - to adapt or alter for use in a different purpose; reuse, recycle, modify, convert.

31.consideration (noun)

English Meaning - careful thought or attention given to something; thought, deliberation, reflection, contemplation.

32.handle (verb)

English Meaning - to manage, control, or cope with a situation, demand, or problem; manage, deal with, take care of, tackle.

33.killer (noun)

English Meaning - a thing that causes death or destruction; deadly factor, cause of death.

34.smoke (noun)

English Meaning - fumes, exhaust, vapour, smog.

35.flammable (adjective)

English Meaning - easily set on fire; combustible, inflammable, incendiary, ignitable.

36.extensively (adverb)

English Meaning - widely, broadly, comprehensively, vastly.

37.catch fire (phrase)

English Meaning - to begin to burn; ignite, combust, burst into flames, kindle.

38.stairway (noun)

English Meaning - staircase, steps, stairwell.

39.cut off (phrasal verb)

English Meaning - block, sever, obstruct, intercept.

40.just as (phrase)

English Meaning - in the same way as; exactly like, in the same manner, similarly to, much like.

41.trap (verb)

English Meaning - to prevent someone from escaping from a place; confine, catch, corner, enclose.

42.fodder (noun)

English Meaning - material that provides an opportunity or basis for criticism, discussion, or attack; ammunition, material, fuel, opportunity.

43.attack (noun)

English Meaning - assault, onslaught, criticism, censure.

44.though (conjunction)

English Meaning - despite the fact that; although, even though, albeit, notwithstanding.

45.call (verb)

English Meaning - describe, label, term, designate.

46.impossible to ignore (phrase)

English Meaning - so prominent, important, or severe that it cannot be overlooked; conspicuous, undeniable, glaring, unmistakable.

47.nevertheless (adverb)

English Meaning - in spite of that; nonetheless, however, yet, still.

48.blame (verb)

English Meaning - to assign responsibility for a fault or wrong; hold responsible, condemn, accuse, find guilty.

49.legacy (noun)

English Meaning - something left or handed down by a predecessor; consequence, outcome, aftermath, upshot.

50.negligence (noun)

English Meaning - carelessness, dereliction of duty, neglect, laxity.

51.legacy of negligence (noun)

English Meaning - the continuing harmful effects left by long-term failure to act properly or responsibly; lasting neglect, accumulated negligence, inherited failure, continuing disregard.

52.serve little purpose (phrase)

English Meaning - to be of little use or not very helpful; be useless, be ineffective, be futile, be in vain.

53.predecessor (noun)

English Meaning - a person who held a job or office before the current holder; forerunner, precursor, antecedent, prior office-holder.

54.dedicated (adjective)

English Meaning - specifically assigned or committed to a particular purpose or function; devoted, committed, designated, specialised.

55.promise (noun)

English Meaning - pledge, vow, commitment, assurance.

56.robust (adjective)

English Meaning - strong, vigorous, resilient, tough.

57.such as (phrase)

English Meaning - for example; for instance, specifically, like, namely.

58.safety audit (noun)

English Meaning - safety review, safety inspection, safety assessment.

59.corrective (adjective)

English Meaning - designed to fix or remedy a problem or fault; remedial, rectifying, restorative, therapeutic.

60.dismount (verb)

English Meaning - to get off a horse, bicycle, or motorcycle (here used metaphorically to stop dwelling on a particular political issue); alight, get down, descend, step off.

61.campaign horse (noun)

English Meaning - a subject or issue that a politician repeatedly uses to gain an advantage; political talking point, recurring issue, hobbyhorse, pet subject, political issue, campaign theme, political weapon, election plank.

62.look at (phrasal verb)

English Meaning - to direct one’s attention to something; observe, examine, inspect, consider.

63.the elephant in the room (phrase)

English Meaning - a major problem or controversial issue that is obviously present but avoided as a subject for discussion because it is more comfortable to do so; glaring issue, unaddressed problem, obvious truth, unspoken issue.

64.rather (adverb)

English Meaning - to a significant extent or degree; fairly, quite, somewhat, relatively.

65.silent (adjective)

English Meaning - quiet, speechless, uncommunicative, taciturn.

66.rather silent (adjective)

English Meaning - relatively unwilling or inactive in speaking or taking action; quiet, muted, subdued, uncommunicative.

67.creaky (adjective)

English Meaning - old, dilapidated, and in bad condition; decrepit, worn-out, rundown, dilapidated.

68.rich history (noun)

English Meaning - a past filled with culturally, politically, or socially significant events; significant past, vibrant heritage, colourful background, glorious past.

69.industrialisation (noun)

English Meaning - the development of industries in a country or region on a wide scale; modernization, mechanization, manufacturing development, technological advancement.

70.culture (noun)

English Meaning - the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively; heritage, civilization, society, customs.

71.progressive (adjective)

English Meaning - favouring or implementing social reform or new, liberal ideas; advanced, forward-looking, enlightened, radical.

72.progressive politics (noun)

English Meaning - political ideas supporting social reform, greater equality, and forward-looking change; reformist politics, liberal politics, progressive ideology, reform-oriented politics.

73.lag behind (phrasal verb)

English Meaning - to fail to keep up with another or others in movement or development; fall behind, trail, straggle, drop back.

74.much of (phrase)

English Meaning - a large part or amount of something; a large portion of, a great deal of, a significant part of, a majority of.

75.amenity (noun)

English Meaning - a desirable or useful feature or facility of a building or place; facility, service, convenience, benefit.

76.governance (noun)

English Meaning - administration, management, rule, control.

77.renewal (noun)

English Meaning - regeneration, revitalization, restoration, rehabilitation.

78.stock-in-trade (noun)

English Meaning - the typical characteristics or behaviour of someone or something; forte, trademark, hallmark, specialty, characteristic.

79.well served (adjective)

English Meaning - benefited, aided, assisted, helped.

80.adopt (verb)

English Meaning - to choose to take up, follow, or use; embrace, take on, assume, espouse.

81.heritage (noun)

English Meaning - tradition, history, ancestry, legacy.

82.conservation (noun)

English Meaning - preservation, protection, safeguarding, upkeep.

83.value (noun)

English Meaning - the importance, worth, or usefulness of something; worth, merit, significance, importance.

84.place something above (phrase)

English Meaning - to give something greater importance or priority than something else; prioritise, value more highly, rank above, put first.

85.petty (adjective)

English Meaning - of little importance or trivial, often characterized by an undue concern for trivial matters; trivial, minor, insignificant, small-minded.

86.petty politics (noun)

English Meaning - small-minded or trivial political disputes pursued for narrow political advantage; narrow politics, partisan bickering, political squabbling, factional politics.

87.focus on (phrasal verb)

English Meaning - concentrate on, center on, zero in on, fixate on.