Ganderbal – The Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, has promised prompt relief for those affected by a significant fire that ravaged the main market in Sonamarg on Saturday. In a media briefing, he confirmed that the administration has assessed the damages, which reportedly impacted 50 to 60 shops, and a compensation report will be submitted soon.
“This unfortunate incident has caused significant damage to many businesses in Sonamarg. Our teams from revenue and fire services are on the ground assessing the situation, and we will expedite the report to ensure that shop owners receive the necessary relief,” stated Kishore.
The Deputy Commissioner also addressed concerns regarding fire safety in the area, indicating plans to establish a dedicated fire service. “We have identified a location for the fire service setup, and we are committed to addressing the issues raised by the community,” he added.
Local residents expressed frustration over the lack of fire safety measures. Manzoor, a resident, criticized the administration for not providing a fire emergency vehicle, stating, “The responsibility lies with the politicians and the administration. The Sonamarg Trade Union has been advocating for a fire and emergency vehicle for the past two decades.”
Similarly, Umar Farooq voiced his discontent, remarking, “Despite generating significant revenue from Sonamarg, the government has failed to invest in protecting local properties. It’s time they prioritize the welfare of the community.”
Kangan MLA Mehar Ali also weighed in on the incident, attributing the fire’s severity to the absence of a fire service vehicle. He revealed that he had previously requested space for a fire service team but noted a lack of action from the authorities. “The CO Sonamarg is responsible for this oversight. I am willing to fund the construction of a fire service facility, and we will make arrangements for a temporary space for the team while a permanent solution is developed,” he asserted.
In response to the incident, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his condolences and promised immediate assistance to those impacted by the fire. “I am deeply saddened by the devastating fire in Sonamarg. My office is coordinating with local authorities to ensure that all necessary support reaches those affected. Our thoughts are with the families and businesses during this challenging time, and we will do everything we can to aid in their recovery,” the Chief Minister’s office stated.
The community hopes that these commitments will lead to improved fire safety measures and support for those who have lost their livelihoods in this tragic event.