Kulgam, July 1: Three families were left homeless after a devastating fire engulfed and severely damaged two residential houses in Singhgora village of the K.B. Pora area in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Tuesday evening.
According to officials, the blaze erupted at around 6:00 pm, triggering an immediate response from the district administration, Fire and Emergency Services Department, Revenue Department, and other concerned agencies. Local residents also joined the rescue operation to contain the flames.
Speaking to reporters, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Noorabad, D.H. Pora, Bashir-Ul-Hassan said that the area is densely populated, making it crucial to prevent the fire from spreading to adjoining houses.
“As soon as we received information, all concerned departments rushed to the spot. With the support of local residents, the fire was brought under control. However, two residential houses housing three families suffered extensive damage, leaving the occupants without shelter,” he said.
The SDM said the district administration immediately provided emergency relief to the affected families, including food kits and other essential supplies, to help them cope with the aftermath of the incident.
He assured that all eligible assistance would be extended to the victims without delay and said their cases have already been processed for further relief.
Bashir-Ul-Hassan further stated that directions have been issued to the concerned Block Development Officer (BDO) to accord top priority to the affected families under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) if they are already beneficiaries. If not, necessary steps will be taken to facilitate their inclusion under the housing scheme so that they can receive financial assistance for rebuilding their homes.
The SDM also said the administration has taken up the matter with the concerned Range Officer to ensure the timely supply of timber required for the reconstruction of the fire-damaged houses.
The cause of the fire was not immediately known, while authorities have initiated the necessary procedures to assess the losses and provide further assistance to the affected families.(KNC)
