Sonmarg fire tragedy: Another wake-up call for Tourism Department

ZIRAAT TIMES EDITORIAL BOARD

The devastating fire that engulfed several commercial structures in Sonmarg on February 8 has once again exposed the alarming lack of fire safety infrastructure in Kashmir’s major tourist destinations. This tragic incident, which caused damage worth crores of rupees, is not an isolated event—Sonmarg has witnessed multiple fire disasters in recent years. Yet, despite repeated appeals from business owners, hoteliers, and residents, the authorities have failed to establish a functional fire services station in this critical area. A well equipped  fire station in a tourist destination is a basic requirement, and Tourism Development Authorities must be adequately resourced and their personnell well trained to address such crisis situations.

Kashmir’s tourist destinations are highly vulnerable to fire hazards, especially in places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam,  Sonmarg, Yusmarg, Doodhpather, etc, where wooden structures outnumber concrete and fire resistant structures. Unfortunately, while commercial establishments are required to maintain basic fire-fighting equipment and train their staff for emergencies, their efforts alone cannot replace a fully equipped and strategically located fire station. The government must take responsibility for ensuring that essential fire safety infrastructure and emergency response teams are in place at all major tourist destinations.

The Sonmarg fire disaster has once again highlighted several systemic failures. Firstly, a delayed emergency response. Local businesses and residents have repeatedly demanded a fire services station, yet their pleas have gone unheard. Reports indicate that fire tenders arrived too late, exacerbating the damage. This delay is unacceptable in a high-risk zone like Sonmarg, which sees thousands of tourists and has significant commercial activity. Secondly, the inadequate fire prevention measures. Most tourist resorts in Kashmir lack basic fire safety infrastructure, such as water hydrants, fire breaks, and trained emergency personnel. This failure puts not only businesses but also tourists and local people at grave risk. The lack of action despite repeated fire incidents raises serious concerns about governance and disaster preparedness. If fire stations can be set up in cities and towns, why not in high-risk tourist hotspots, which generate significant revenue for the economy?

This latest disaster should serve as a wake-up call for the administration to take immediate corrective measures, especially in providing adequate financial resources to Tourism Development Authorities for disaster  preparedness and management, including well-equipped fire management stations.  The government cannot afford to wait for another disaster to take action. The livelihoods of thousands of people depend on tourism in Kashmir, and their safety should be a top priority. Sonmarg’s fire tragedy must be a turning point, not just another statistic in Kashmir’s long history of preventable disasters.