Anantnag/Kulgam, Jan 09: Eight residential houses situated along the Jhelum in Khanabal’s Boat Colony in Anantnag and two houses in Korel Manzgam in Kulgam were gutted in a fire blaze on Tuesday, leaving the families homeless.
The ongoing dry spell in Kashmir has sparked numerous fire incidents in this harsh winter season.
A fire and emergency official said that eight residential houses, including double/single-storey concrete and wooden structures were affected by the fire. The cause was determined to be an electric short circuit.
“The roofing, ceilings, doors, windows, and household goods of seven single-storey wooden houses were severely damaged. Meanwhile, the roofing of one double-storey concrete house sustained slight damage,” and official said.
Similarly, in another fire incident in Korel Manzgam, two houses belonging to different families—Mohd Iqbal Gorsi and Shabir Ahmad, sons of Pahlia Gorsi, residents of Korel Asnoor—were damaged.
Murtaza Nazir, a local resident, mentioned that the Fire Service couldn’t reach the area due to the unavailability of a road as it’s a far-flung region – Gujar Basti.
Local youths from Korel voluntarily arrived at the scene, aiding in the rescue operation, safeguarding crucial belongings, and somehow managing to control the fire.
Deputy Commissioner (DC), Anantnag, Syed Fakhrudin Hamid, visited the fire victims at Boat Colony, and expressed sympathy and assured help under LG Administration.
“Around eight or nine residential houses have been damaged here. I visited to assess the assistance needed for the fire victims. We urge people to exercise caution during the dry spell and ensure the safekeeping of electrical gadgets and Kangries to prevent fire incidents,” he said.
He said government stands in solidarity with the victims and that their land allotment file regarding rehabilitation would be taken up with the Forest Department for further steps.
Bashir ul Hassan, Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Noorabad, told Rising Kashmir that immediate relief has been provided to the victims of the Korel fire incident. The revenue team is currently processing their case.
“The team will assess the damage, and based on SDRF norms, their case will be processed. The fire victims will receive necessary support as per the rules,” he added.
