Anantnag, Mar 21: A devastating fire in Kadipora, a densely populated area in old town Anantnag, has destroyed more than 22 residential houses, leaving over 38 families homeless.
The blaze broke out late Thursday afternoon in the congested locality. Despite the combined efforts of locals, NGOs, Anantnag police, the Army, fire and emergency officials, SDRF, and the district administration, the fire caused significant damage before being brought under control.
An official mentioned that fire tenders were called in from Kulgam, Pulwama, and Srinagar, in addition to those from Anantnag, as the area lacks a reliable water source and is heavily congested.
Sajad Ahmad Wani, Tehsildar of Anantnag, told Rising Kashmir that, according to preliminary reports, 22 houses were gutted, leaving 38 families displaced.
He added that the district administration had already begun providing relief to the affected families, with eight families being rehabilitated so far. As part of the initial assistance, each family has been given Rs 50,000 by the Deputy Commissioner of Anantnag.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his concern on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “A devastating fire in Anantnag has gutted many houses, leaving people homeless.” He assured that immediate relief and rehabilitation measures were underway and added, “We stand with the victims in this difficult time.”
On Friday morning, Cabinet Minister Sakina Itoo, along with Peerzada Syed, MLA Anantnag; Abdul Majeed Bhat (Larmi), MLA Anantnag West; and Mohd Altaf Wani, MLA Pahalgam, visited the fire-affected families in Kadipora.
Speaking to the media, Sakina Itoo expressed her sadness over the tragedy, especially during the holy month of Ramzan. “So many families have lost their homes overnight. We are here on the instructions of the Chief Minister,” she said.
She emphasized that, since the fire broke out, the Chief Minister had directed the district administration to ensure the affected families receive food and other essential support. “A house takes a lifetime to build, and in an instant, these families have lost everything. They are devastated, but we have assured them that the government stands with them. Relief efforts at the district level are already underway, and additional aid will be provided from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund,” she added.
Itoo also acknowledged the congestion in Kadipora and noted that the affected families had requested land allocation for relocation. “I spent much of my childhood here, and even after 30 years, the area remains overcrowded. We will explore all possible ways to rehabilitate the affected families and do everything necessary to support them,” she said.
