Srinagar, Jan 21: In a groundbreaking move, social activist Tariq Ahmad Patloo is leading an initiative to develop a floating fire emergency system for Dal Lake, addressing the pressing need for efficient disaster response in the wake of recurrent fire incidents.
Inspired by the success of their earlier ambulance project, the visionary undertaking has garnered widespread community support, with donations pouring in to ensure the timely completion of this critical project. Patloo, renowned for his commitment to community welfare, emphasized the urgency of establishing an immediate and effective fire service for Dal Lake.
Speaking to the Rising Kashmir, Patloo highlighted the government’s failure to provide timely fire services in the area, stating, “Before this, I had built an ambulance with pumps inside, and whenever there’s a problem in the lake, people call me. There were demands from the community, so we had to take this initiative.”
The initiative, fuelled by community contributions and donations, has resulted in the creation of a water fire service boat strategically stationed in the middle of Dal Lake. Patloo expressed optimism about the project’s benefits, stating, “This boat can save people’s property, and the damage to life and property will be also reduced because wherever there has been damage or a fire, I have always been the first to reach there.”
While initially demanding government support for two or three fire stations on the lake, Patloo revealed that such requests were met with refusal. Undeterred, the community took matters into their own hands, building their own station to address the unique challenges faced by the Dal Lake community.
Patloo called upon the government to acknowledge the community’s struggles and extend the necessary support, stating, “We are living in the same country. Then why are different rules applied to us? We request the government to visit the Dal community and see the problems we face and provide us with all the facilities just like everyone else.”
