LG Manoj Sinha Visits Fire-Hit Markets in Jammu; Announces ₹1 Lakh Red Cross Relief for Each Affected Shopkeeper

Jammu, November 12: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday visited the fire-affected commercial establishments at Warehouse, Nehru Market and Shiv Market in Jammu to personally assess the damage caused by recent fire incidents and take stock of the difficulties faced by affected traders.

During the visit, the Lieutenant Governor interacted with shopkeepers and representatives of the business community, listened to their grievances and reviewed the extent of losses with senior administrative officials.

As an immediate relief measure, Sinha announced financial assistance of ₹1 lakh through the Red Cross Society for each affected shopkeeper across Warehouse, Nehru Market and Shiv Market.

He further informed that financial assistance amounting to ₹11 lakh had been provided to affected traders at Warehouse, while ₹27 lakh had been extended to shopkeepers affected at Shiv Market.

Acknowledging that the assistance was limited compared to the substantial losses suffered by traders, the Lieutenant Governor said the Red Cross had arranged the maximum permissible support under its existing rules.

He assured the business community that the UT Administration would extend all possible assistance to help affected traders recover their losses and restart their businesses at the earliest.

Sinha also directed the concerned authorities to expedite the assessment of damages and ensure that eligible shopkeepers receive their insurance claims without unnecessary delays.

Emphasising the need for preventive measures, he called for a comprehensive review of fire safety arrangements in major commercial establishments and markets to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

Meanwhile, the Lieutenant Governor has constituted an inquiry committee comprising the Inspector General of Police, Jammu, and the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, to investigate the circumstances and establish the cause of the devastating fire at Warehouse, Nehru Market.

The committee has been directed to examine possible lapses or negligence, identify those responsible and submit its findings within 15 days.

Sinha made it clear that the investigation would be impartial and that strict action would follow if any negligence or dereliction of duty was established.

Senior officials accompanying the Lieutenant Governor included DGP Nalin Prabhat, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Govind Jaiswal, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Vikas Kundal, DIG JSK Range Shridhar Patil, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Minga Sherpa, Jammu Municipal Commissioner Aayushi Sudan, JDA Vice Chairman Vidhu Shekhar and other senior officers.(KNC)