Relief and Rehabilitation Efforts Underway for Anantnag Fire Victims
CM Minister Itoo, accompanied by MLAs, visits Kadipora, Anantnag, to assess damage and assist affected families.
Massive Fire in Anantnag Leaves 38 Families Homeless, Relief Efforts Underway
Anantnag, March 21: A devastating fire tore through Kadipora, a densely populated area in old-town Anantnag, destroying over 22 residential houses and leaving 38 families homeless. The blaze, which broke out late Thursday afternoon, caused massive destruction despite joint efforts by locals, NGOs, Anantnag police, the Army, fire and emergency officials, SDRF, and the district administration.
Fire tenders were rushed in from Kulgam, Pulwama, and Srinagar to assist Anantnag’s local teams, as officials struggled with the congested area’s lack of reliable water sources.
Tehsildar Anantnag, Sajad Ahmad Wani, confirmed the damage, stating that 22 houses had been gutted and 38 families displaced. He added that relief efforts had begun immediately, with eight families already rehabilitated and each affected family receiving an initial Rs 50,000 aid from the Deputy Commissioner of Anantnag.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his concern on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “A devastating fire in Anantnag has gutted many houses, leaving people homeless. Immediate relief and rehabilitation measures are underway. We stand with the victims in this difficult time.”
On Friday morning, Cabinet Minister Sakina Itoo, along with Anantnag MLAs Peerzada Syed, Abdul Majeed Bhat (Larmi), and Mohd Altaf Wani, visited the affected families in Kadipora.
Addressing the media, Minister Itoo described the tragedy as heartbreaking, especially during the holy month of Ramzan. “Many families have lost their homes overnight. The Chief Minister has instructed the district administration to ensure that all affected receive food and essential aid,” she said.
She assured the victims that the government would extend full support, with additional relief being arranged through the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Itoo also acknowledged the longstanding issue of congestion in Kadipora, stating that the administration would explore options for relocating affected families to safer areas.
“We will do everything possible to support these families and help them rebuild their lives,” she affirmed.
