SRINAGAR: A massive fire engulfed Sonamarg’s bustling market, reducing over 40 establishments—including hotels and shops—to ashes and reigniting concerns over the absence of a dedicated firefighting unit in the renowned tourist hub.
The blaze erupted at Hotel Sounsar in the heart of Sonamarg on Saturday, swiftly spreading to neighbouring commercial properties.
While quick action by local residents ensured there were no casualties, the inferno caused damage worth several crores, leaving business owners devastated.
The Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) and its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) are facing intense criticism from traders and hoteliers, who claim that repeated appeals for a fire station in the region have been ignored.
Mian Mehar Ali, MLA from Kangan squarely blamed the SDA’s leadership for the catastrophe, accusing them of negligence. “Despite multiple requests for allocating space to set up a fire station, no steps were taken. This inaction has cost traders their livelihoods,” he said in an exclusive conversation with The New Indian.
Responding to the backlash, CEO Sonamarg stated that he had already requested the Fire & Emergency Services Department to establish a fire station in the area.
He added that a location had been identified in consultation with Bopar Mandal Sonamarg but procedural delays had stalled progress.
“This is a tragic incident, and we stand with the affected traders and hoteliers,” Bhat said, assuring that the SDA would provide all possible support. He also reiterated that discussions were underway to allocate space for a permanent fire tender in Sonamarg.
The fire has reignited long-standing demands from business owners, hoteliers, and locals for an immediate solution.
They argue that the lack of a fire station forces emergency teams to travel from Gund ans Kangan, located 20 to 40 kilometers away, significantly delaying response times and exacerbating the destruction.
Residents recall similar devastating fires in 2006, 2007 and 2016 after which authorities promised action—but little has changed.
Traders and locals are now urging authorities to expedite the establishment of a fire services unit, emphasizing that immediate deployment of a fire tender is crucial to safeguarding businesses, livelihoods, and tourism in the area.
