SRINAGAR, Feb 9: It took authorities over two decades and multiple fire incidents-including the recent one that damaged 46 shops-to take measures to establish a fire station at the tourist resort Sonamarg in district Ganderbal.
Following the massive blaze last night, officials, including Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, V.K. Bidhuri, today visited Sonamarg to assess the situation.
During the visit, he announced that two temporary fire tenders would be stationed until a permanent fire station is established in the area.
“For the fire station, which has not been established here over the years due to unfavourable weather conditions, land has been identified. As a temporary measure, two fire tenders will be stationed-one at Z-Morh and another at the Youth Hostel,” he said.
He added that the massive blaze affected several people but that timely intervention had prevented any loss of life.
“Regarding relief, we will submit the damage assessment report to the Government and the necessary measures will follow,” he said.
Bidhuri also urged business owners to adhere to fire safety measures and insure their properties to minimize the impact of such incidents. He also stressed the need for a Fire Safety Audit of all establishments in Sonamarg.
“For the reconstruction of these shops, the process will be expedited once the affected individuals apply for the necessary permissions,” he added.
However, Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Kangan, Mian Meher Ali, accused the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) of failing to facilitate the establishment of a fire station in the area.
“When I was elected as MLA, traders approached me demanding a fire station. I met the ADG Fire Services on December 1 and handed over a letter to him, after which a team visited the area for assessment,” he said.
Ali alleged that despite having available space, the CEO of Sonamarg did not provide land for setting up the fire station, calling him “incapable.”
“I asked the CEO to provide space for a fire station since constructing a new building would take time. However, he showed no interest. His inaction led to this incident,” he said, adding that the fire could have been prevented if fire tenders had been available.
“Whatever happened is the CEO’s responsibility. Had he provided space, this incident could have been avoided. Fire service personnel came here multiple times and met the CEO, but he was not interested,” he added.
The MLA further said that he has included the demand for fire tenders and a fire station building in the upcoming UT Budget.
Meanwhile, SDA CEO Ghulam Muhammad Bhat refuted the allegations, stating that the lack of a fire station has existed since the SDA’s establishment in 2004.
“I am the 18th CEO of SDA. I have taken up the matter with Fire Services, and they visited the spaces offered to them. However, they had specific requirements that were not met,” he said.
Responding to the MLA’s accusation of incompetence, Bhat stated: “I am an officer, and I work according to my responsibilities. The SDA was the first to reach the spot and help contain the fire, preventing it from spreading further.”
Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, told reporters that the damage assessment had been completed and would be submitted for the necessary assistance to affected people.
“The other issues raised will be addressed. We have identified land for the fire station and will ensure the facility is set up soon,” he said.