Srinagar, Jan 06: A tragic incident in the Pandrethan area of Srinagar, claiming the lives of a couple and their three young children, has sent shockwaves across the valley. The family succumbed to asphyxiation caused by the unsafe use of heating devices in their rented accommodation.
The traffic incident sparked a swift response from various political figures who are calling for urgent awareness campaigns regarding safety measures and the proper use of heating equipment.
Dr Farooq calls for adhering to advisories on heating gadgets
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah expressed profound grief and anguish over the tragic incident. In a condolence message, he said, “Saddened by the loss of precious lives in a tragic incident in Srinagar. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family in this hour of grief”.
Dr Abdullah called for adhering to government-issued advisories on the safe use of heating equipment to prevent such tragic incidents.
‘Unbearable’: Tariq Karra; ‘Need for safe living conditions’
In response to the heart-wrenching tragedy, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra sent a delegation to express condolences to the bereaved family and assess the situation. The delegation included General Secretary (Organisation) Kashmir Abid Kashmiri, Youth Congress leader Dr Waleed Karra, former Corporator G M Alaie and other representatives.
Describing the incident as “deeply shocking”, Karra said. “This heartbreaking tragedy is unbearable and has left the entire community in mourning.”
Abid Kashmiri, who led the delegation, described the incident as an “unfortunate and preventable tragedy that highlights the urgent need to ensure safe living conditions, especially during harsh winter”. He assured that the JKPCC would stand with the bereaved family during this difficult time and offer full support.
Offering condolences, Dr Waleed Karra said, “The loss of such young lives is a grim reminder of the challenges faced by underprivileged families. We urge the authorities to take stringent measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Immediate compensation must be provided to the bereaved family to help them cope with this irreparable loss.”
He added, “The administration must ensure better safety measures, access to essential resources, and support systems for vulnerable communities. This tragic incident should serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders to prioritise the welfare of marginalised sections of society. Such unfortunate events highlight the urgent need for long-term policies that uplift and protect those who are most at risk.”
The JKPCC delegation met with local residents and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. The party reiterated its commitment to standing in solidarity with those affected and emphasized the need for urgent intervention to address safety concerns in residential accommodations across the region.
Govt should provide carbon monoxide sensors: Tarigami
Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader and MLA Kulgam, Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami, expressed serious concern, urging the government to distribute carbon monoxide sensors at subsidised rates to protect households from rising asphyxiation cases during winters.
Referring to the increasing asphyxiation cases, which have so far claimed seven lives in Kashmir, with one victim still in critical condition. the CPI(M) leader said that the government should formulate a policy to distribute carbon monoxide sensors at subsidised rates through local bodies.
“While the victims cannot be brought back, families should receive compensation as a humanitarian gesture, and those in critical condition due to suffocation should be provided immediate and free of cost treatment,” he said.
The CPI(M) leader called for awareness campaigns at the village level about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and urged the authorities to take concrete steps to prevent further cases of suffocation in J&K.
Bukhari for educating people about heating devices’ safety measures
Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari offered his profound grief over the incident and stressed the need for an awareness campaign to educate the public about the dangers of unsafe heating device usage.
In a statement, he said, “It is deeply shocking to hear that five members of a family originally hailing from the Gangyal area of Uri in Baramulla, have died from suffocation in their rented accommodation in the Pandrethan area of Srinagar. The deceased children comprise a one-month-old infant and two toddlers aged 18 months and 3 years. This tragedy is both heartbreaking and unbearable. Words cannot express the grief and sorrow I feel upon hearing about this tragic event.”
Bukhari urged authorities to launch an awareness campaign to educate the public about the dangers associated with the unsafe use of heating devices, such as gas and coal heaters, electric blankets, blowers, and other gadgets.
The Apni Party chief wrote on his X handle, “Urgent awareness campaigns are needed to prevent tragic incidents and deaths caused by the careless use of heating devices like gas and coal heaters, electric blankets, blowers, and other gadgets.”
He added, “It is imperative to raise awareness about how improper use of these devices can increase levels of poisonous gases and deplete oxygen in rooms, leading to suffocation. I urge the administration to initiate an awareness campaign through all possible mediums to educate the public about the dangers of unsafe use of these devices.”
Ahsan Pardesi urges following proper advisory
Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Lal Chowk, Ahsan Pardesi expressed his condolences and described the tragedy as a wake-up call. He called on health departments and emergency services to issue advisories on safety measures.
“The loss of precious lives is a wake-up call for all of us. It is imperative for the concerned departments, including the Health Department and Fire and Emergency Services, to issue advisories and guidelines to educate people on the safe use of heating appliances and the critical importance of proper ventilation during the winter season,” Pardesi said in a statement.
Referring to expert advice shared by leading pulmonologists and healthcare professionals, the MLA reiterated the significance of avoiding appliances that consume oxygen, such as gas heaters and charcoal stoves, without ensuring proper ventilation.
“Safety measures are crucial to avoid the recurrence of such tragedies. Awareness campaigns on social media should be intensified, and local civic bodies must collaborate to disseminate safety protocols effectively,” he added.
Pardesi appealed to residents to heed expert advice and prioritize safety, ensuring no lives are lost to avoidable mishaps in the future. “My thoughts and prayers are with the affected family. Let us all take this incident as a solemn reminder of the importance of caution, preparedness, and collective effort in safeguarding lives,” Pardesi said.
