Srinagar, : In a tragic incident, three tourists from Bangladesh were burned to death as a major blaze gutted five houseboats and seven huts besides a house on Saturday.
“A massive fire broke out in the houseboats along Ghat no. 09 in Dal Lake area today early in the morning hours,” a police spokesperson said in a statement to GNS.
The conflagration quickly spread and engulfed five houseboats namely Safeena, Sabreena, Young Gulshan, Lala Rukh and Khar Palace, he said. “Seven residential huts and neighbouring houses in the vicinity were also gutted in the ensuing blaze.”
Moreover, he said, three tourists from Bangladesh namely Anindaya Kowshal, Das Gupta and Mohammad Moinud, who were staying in houseboat Safeena, lost their lives in the devastating fire.
“Pertinently, eight people staying in these houseboats were rescued and evacuated to safety through timely and valiant action by joint efforts of Srinagar Police, SDRF, Tourist Police, F&ES and civilians.”
In this regard, a fire incident report has been lodged in PS RM Bagh and investigation initiated, he said.
Expressing his anguish, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said, “I am deeply pained by the loss of lives due to the unfortunate fire incident at Dal Lake, Srinagar. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I have directed the District Administration to provide all necessary assistance to the affected persons.”
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad Saturday morning visited Dal Lake following the incident of devastating fire and took spot review of post fire incident situation.
On the occasion, the DC took first hand appraisal and assessment of the damages caused from the devastating fire incident and lauded the efforts of the SDRF, Fire Services, Police and the local people who took prompt action in dosing the fire to prevent further damage. Four adjoining houseboats were relocated by the fire controlling team to cut the spread of fire flames and further damage.
Interacting with the fire affected, the DC expressed support and sympathy with them on behalf of the District Administration Srinagar. He also assured that every kind of possible support shall be provided from the District Administration for their immediate rehabilitation.
The DC also directed the concerned authorities to assess the losses and make a comprehensive report regarding the losses in the incident. Moreover, the District Administration Srinagar provided immediate assistance to the affected eight families in the form of 80 blankets, 40 mattresses, 40-bed sheets and 8 kitchen sets, besides Rs 160000 to all 8 affected families each Rs 19000 as an interim relief.
Meanwhile, the District Administration has appealed to the general public to follow all precautionary measures while handling electric and electronic gadgets, LPG cylinders and other appliances being used for heating and cooking purposes to avoid such incidents particularly during the ensuing winter season. He also appealed the houseboat owners to install fire extinguishers to prevent wild spread in case of fire incidents. (GNS)
