Shops and godowns in Block-C destroyed, losses run into crores; LG, CM order immediate relief, Deputy CM visits site as political leaders demand inquiry and compensation
BuzzBytes
JAMMU, NOVEMBER 9: A massive fire that broke out at the historic Warehouse Nehru Market near Bikram Chowk here on Diwali night gutted several shops and godowns, destroying huge stocks of foodgrains, edible oil, ghee and other commodities. Losses are estimated to run into several crores of rupees.
The blaze erupted around 8.30 pm on Sunday in Block-C of the wholesale market and rapidly spread through adjoining establishments. Shops and godowns numbered 48 to 54 were among the worst affected.
The fire was reportedly fuelled by large quantities of edible oil, ghee and other combustible materials stored in the premises. A spark from Diwali fireworks is suspected to have triggered the incident, but the exact cause is yet to be officially established.
In protest against what they termed a delayed and inadequate response by the Fire and Emergency Services Department, traders across the Warehouse market and Bikram Chowk observed a complete shutdown on Monday.
Warehouse Traders Association president Deepak Gupta alleged that the delay in deploying fire tenders allowed the blaze to spread to neighbouring shops and godowns. He claimed only two fire tenders reached the spot nearly 90 minutes after the fire broke out, despite the nearest fire station being just a few minutes away. He demanded accountability and action against officials if negligence was found.
Fire and Emergency Services officials rejected the allegations, saying the distress call was attended to promptly. They said two fire tenders from the nearest station were dispatched immediately and additional vehicles from other stations were mobilised as the operation expanded.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed profound grief over the incident. He reviewed the situation on the night of the fire and spoke with senior officials on Monday, directing that immediate and comprehensive relief be provided to those affected. In a post on X, he conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to the business community and traders and assured all possible assistance.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed deep grief over the incident and conveyed his sympathies to all those affected. He directed the district administration to ensure immediate relief and extend all necessary assistance. He also ordered a thorough assessment of the damage and appropriate measures to address the needs of the affected businesses.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary visited the fire-affected area at Bikram Chowk on Monday to assess the damage. He interacted with affected traders and shopkeepers, listened to their concerns and took stock of the losses suffered by them. Expressing deep concern over the destruction, he conveyed his sympathies to all those whose businesses and livelihoods have been hit.
Choudhary assured prompt assistance and appropriate relief measures. He said the concerns of those who have suffered losses would be addressed on priority and all necessary support would be extended to help them overcome the situation. He also underscored the need to strengthen emergency response mechanisms to ensure timely intervention during such incidents.
JKNC Provincial President Advocate Rattan Lal Gupta, Vice President Central Zone Jammu Rakesh Singh Raka and SC Cell Chairman Vijay Lochan accompanied the Deputy CM.
Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr Jitendra Singh said he was deeply shocked by the incident and expressed concern over allegations of a delayed firefighting response. He urged the authorities to address the matter on priority.
Former Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, who visited the site, described the losses as enormous and called for a coordinated relief and rehabilitation package from both the Jammu and Kashmir Government and the Centre. She said many traders operate with borrowed funds or life savings and that insurance coverage, where available, may not be enough to offset such extensive losses.
She also raised concerns over the alleged delay in the arrival of fire tenders and the adequacy of firefighting equipment, and urged the government to provide financial assistance to help traders restart their businesses.
Jammu MP Jugal Kishore Sharma, Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma and other political leaders also visited the market and interacted with the affected traders.
The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee demanded an inquiry into the alleged lapses in the firefighting response and sought an adequate relief package for those affected. The party also called for a review of emergency preparedness during festivals such as Diwali, when the risk of fire incidents is higher.
