Mohali admn''s ‘insensitivity’ to the fore

MOHALI:While the "insensitive" district administration did nothing to help the hapless families of the fire incident that occurred yesterday except seeking a report on whether or not the affected Shaheed Udham Singh Colony was legal, the victims were fed by some good Samaritans, who organised a langar at the spot.

This is what remains of Shaheed Udham Singh Colony in Mohali after the fire

Akash Ghai

Tribune News Service

Mohali, May 17

While the "insensitive" district administration did nothing to help the hapless families of the fire incident that occurred yesterday except seeking a report on whether or not the affected Shaheed Udham Singh Colony was legal, the victims were fed by some good Samaritans, who organised a langar at the spot.

Around 20 families, mainly of poor migrants, have lost everything in the fire except the clothes that they were wearing. The district administration failed to extend a helping hand to the victims, including women and children.

Not even a single official from the administration or any political leader turned up to meet the victims and take stock of the situation.

When Chandigarh Tribune contacted Mohali Deputy Commissioner Gurpreet Kaur Sapra to know about steps being taken by the administration to help of the poor, she said: “Let the report (about the status of the colony) come first”.

When told that the victims had been left with nothing, the Deputy Commissioner’s reply was the same. “The colony has been here for the past several years. It’s shocking that the authorities are unaware about its status,” said a councillor.

Langar organised

During a visit to the spot, a Tribune team found some philanthropists arranging food for the victims by organising a langar there. “We have received help from residents of the colony. Besides, some passersby and residents of the town are also giving us donations to continue with the effort,” said Hardwai Lal, Sonu Kumar and Rajiv Kumar.