Ganderbal, Feb 09: A massive fire broke out on Saturday evening in the scenic tourist destination of Sonamarg, destroying 46 shops, including hotels, restaurants, and ready-made garment stores. The blaze caused property losses worth crores of rupees, leaving local traders devastated.
As the news of the fire spread, locals, police, and security forces rushed to the spot and attempted to douse the flames. However, the intensity of the fire made it difficult to control, resulting in widespread destruction
Local residents and traders blamed the absence of a fire services station in Sonamarg for the extent of the damage. President of the Sonamarg Traders’ Association, Shabir Ahmad Lone, recalled that similar fire incidents in 2007 and 2012 had caused severe losses. Since then, traders had repeatedly urged the government to set up a fire station in Sonamarg, but their demands were ignored. “Had the authorities acted on our requests earlier, this tragedy could have been prevented,” Lone said.
Following the fire, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, along with Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jiten Kishore, SSP Ganderbal, and other officials, visited Sonamarg to assess the damage.
President of the Sonamarg Hoteliers Association, Farooq Ahmad Hafiz, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to provide financial assistance to the affected traders. “The government must ensure proper compensation so that shopkeepers can restart their businesses,” Hafiz said.
He also thanked the Ganderbal district administration for deploying two fire tenders in Sonamarg and appreciated MLA Kangan, Mian Mehr Ali, for his commitment to establishing a fire station in the area
Authorities identify land for fire station, assure relief to affected traders
After a devastating fire that ravaged the Sonamarg market, destroying at least 40 shops cum restaurants, authorities have announced measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, along with Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore, SSP Ganderbal Raghav S, SDM Kangan Nuzhat Qureshi,CEO SDA, Tehsil Admin, DSP Kangan, and MLA Kangan Mian Mehr Ali, visited the affected area to assess the damage and reassure traders of government support.
Speaking to reporters in Sonamarg Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri said that land has been identified for a fire station in Sonamarg. As an immediate measure, two fire tenders will be stationed at Z-Morh and Youth Hostel to enhance fire safety preparedness.
“Our revenue and fire services teams are on the ground assessing the damage, and a report will be forwarded itself to ensure that affected shop owners receive the necessary relief at the earliest,” He said.
Bidhuri assured traders that the administration would submit a relief proposal to the government. “The final decision on relief measures will be taken by the administration after review,” he said.
He also held discussions with the market association to implement fire safety protocols and prevent future mishaps. “Fire is becoming an enemy for us, and every establishment must install fire extinguishers and get proper insurance to safeguard their businesses,” he stressed.
When asked about the rehabilitation of traders, Bidhuri stated that the process of renovating affected structures would be expedited. “We have discussed with the market association that they should apply for necessary permissions to rebuild their establishments,” he said.
The visit by senior officials has brought hope to the affected business community, who have demanded immediate compensation and enhanced fire safety infrastructure to prevent such disasters in the future.
The administration has assured every possible assistance to help traders restart their normal lives and strengthen fire response mechanisms in Sonamarg.
