Saroori visits fire-affected areas in Bunjwah, seeks immediate relief

Kishtwar, Dec 19, 2024: Former minister Ghulam Mohammad Saroori on Thursday conducted an extensive tour of the Bunjwah region, visiting the villages of Nali, Binoon and Patnazi to address the grievances of the local populace and provide solace to those affected by recent hardships.
The visit was marked by heartfelt interactions with residents who shared the challenges they face particularly regarding the PMAY scheme and the devastating fire that left families homeless, Saroori said in a statement.
During his visit to Patnazi, Saroori said he met with the family of Ghulam Nabi, a local resident whose house was completely destroyed in a recent fire incident. “The fire, which caused massive damage, left the family with an estimated loss of Rs 40–50 lakhs. Saroori personally assessed the extent of the devastation and listened to the family’s plight. The incident is tragic; everything in the house had been reduced to ashes, leaving the family in dire need of assistance,” he said.
The former minister acknowledged the initial aid provided by the Deputy Commissioner and the Red Cross Society, including some immediate relief supplies, but said the assistance was insufficient given the magnitude of the loss. He called upon the authorities to expedite further relief efforts and provide substantial financial support to help the affected family rebuild their lives.
Saroori highlighted the urgent need for a fire brigade station in Bunjwah, pointing out the lack of essential firefighting infrastructure in the area. “Areas like Mughal Maidan, Chatroo, and Kahar also require dedicated fire brigade facilities to ensure timely responses to such incidents in the future,” he said.
He urged the Deputy Commissioner to ensure that the affected family is provided with free timber from the Forest Department to aid in reconstructing their home. Saroori also appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, requesting financial assistance of Rs 5–10 lakhs for the family to cover their losses and rebuild their lives.
During his tour, Saroori also listened to the grievances of the general public, who raised concerns about the difficulties they face in preparing and processing applications for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) scheme. “Residents expressed their struggles with bureaucratic hurdles and the delay in receiving benefits under the housing scheme, which is crucial for those in economically weaker sections,” he said.
The former minister reiterated his commitment to standing by the people of Bunjwah and ensuring their voices are heard. He assured the public that he would raise their concerns with the appropriate authorities and work tirelessly to secure the assistance and facilities required for their well-being.