Mohd Saleem wani/Ishfaq Gowher
11 February (Gulistan News TV): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accompanied by senior officials, visited the fire-ravaged Sonamarg market on Tuesday to assess the extensive damage caused by a massive blaze that erupted last Saturday.
The devastating fire reduced 45 shops, including several hotels, to ashes, leaving many traders in distress. Eyewitnesses reported that the fire broke out late at night, rapidly spreading due to the presence of wooden structures and strong winds. Firefighting teams faced significant challenges in containing the inferno, and despite their efforts, the flames engulfed most of the marketplace before being brought under control.
During his visit, CM Omar Abdullah met with affected traders and locals to understand their immediate concerns. He assured them of all possible government support and immediate relief measures. The Chief Minister reiterated his administration’s commitment to helping them rebuild their businesses and livelihoods without delay. He also instructed district authorities to expedite the assessment of losses and ensure quick disbursal of compensation to the victims.
Following the visit, the Chief Minister convened a high-level meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Ganderbal, attended by Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, SSP Ganderbal, MLA Kangan, and other key administrative officials. The meeting focused on assessing the total financial loss, expediting relief distribution, and implementing enhanced fire safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
CM Omar Abdullah directed officials to ensure swift compensation to the affected traders and called for a comprehensive fire safety audit across major markets in the region. He stressed the importance of strengthening emergency response mechanisms and equipping fire stations with advanced firefighting tools to deal with such disasters more effectively.
He also emphasized the need for better infrastructure, including modern fire-fighting equipment, installation of fire hydrants, and emergency response mechanisms, to safeguard commercial establishments in vulnerable areas like Sonamarg. Additionally, the Chief Minister announced plans for financial aid packages, rehabilitation efforts, and soft loans for affected business owners to help them recover from their losses.
The affected shopkeepers and hoteliers expressed their concerns and urged the government to expedite financial aid to help them resume their businesses at the earliest. Several traders highlighted the need for better market planning to avoid future fire hazards and requested alternative arrangements for their businesses while reconstruction efforts are underway.
The government has assured continued support and will work closely with local authorities to restore normalcy in the market area. A dedicated task force has been set up to oversee the rehabilitation process and ensure that affected traders receive timely assistance. Authorities have also urged the local business community to adopt fire safety measures to mitigate future risks.Gulistan News TV