MLA Kangan, Div Com Kashmir, DC Ganderbal visit Sonmarg; assess damages

GANDERBAL, FEB 9: Following the devastating overnight fire incident at the old market Sonamarg, which resulted in extensive damage to several shops, MLA Kangan Mian Mehar, along with Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri and Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, visited the site to assess the situation and express solidarity with the affected shopkeepers.

During their visit, they interacted with the Shopkeeper Association Sonamarg, extending their sympathies assuring full support from the UT administration.

Later a meeting was held with the Sonamarg Market Association, attended by SSP Ganderbal, Additional Deputy Commissioner, SDM Kangan, CEO SDA, and other district officials, to address the concerns of the affected traders.

The market association raised several demands, including immediate assistance & permission for reconstruction of shops, and establishment of fire service station in Sonamarg to prevent such incidents in the future.

On the occasion, Div Com directed AD Fire and Emergency Services to station a fire tender at the Youth Hostel Sonamarg and near the Sonamarg Tunnel with adequate manpower as a temporary measure until a permanent fire station is established.

DC Ganderbal briefed the Div Com on the damage assessment, confirming that a final report will be submitted promptly to facilitate swift assistance.
Furthermore, the Div Com emphasized the need for a Fire Safety Audit of all establishments in Sonamarg to mitigate future risks. He urged hoteliers and shopkeepers to equip their establishments with fire extinguishers as a precautionary measure.

Div Com assured that the administration remains committed to supporting the business community in Sonamarg and ensuring their swift recovery from this unfortunate incident.

While interacting with the Shopkeepers, Div Com maintained that administration reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing fire safety infrastructure in Sonamarg, with land already identified for a permanent fire service station to ensure a quicker response to emergencies in the future.