UHBVN suffers heavy loss in Ambala central store fire

Nitish Sharma

Tribune News Service

Ambala, May 21

The Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN) reportedly suffered a heavy loss in a fire incident in its central store at Dhulkot on the Ambala-Chandigarh National Highway here today. About 40 functional transformers, rolls of high-voltage power cables, scrap and several out-of-use vehicles were damaged. However, no loss of life was reported.

According to information, the fire broke out in an open area around 1:15 pm. Fire engines from Ambala city, Naraingarh and the local Air Force station were pressed into service to douse the flames. The fire could only be controlled by the evening.

Strong winds and the toxic smell of burning cables made the job of firefighters challenging. The black smoke was visible even from a distance.

A fireman claimed that the transformers were filled with oil and a couple of them exploded. The foam solution was used to cool the transformers and control the fire. It was hard to even stand there for a few seconds, he added.

Ishwar Das, Junior Engineer stores, UHBVN, said, “Scrap vehicles, low tension cables, 11-KV cables and fresh material were in the store when the fire broke out. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. This is the first such incident in the store. The officials concerned have been informed. The loss could be to the tune of crores of rupees”.

The UHBVN has three central stores, including the Dhulkot store, and 10 small stores for north Haryana from where material is supplied.

Tika Ram Gautam, Tehsildar, Ambala City, reached the spot. He said, “The fire was massive but firefighters did a good job despite strong winds. Fire engines were arranged from Naraingarh and the Air Force station”.

Besides locals, volunteers of Dera Sacha Sauda also helped the firefighters. BS Garg, Superintending Engineer, Store and Workshop, said, “It is our central store from where material is supplied. At present, damaged and saved goods are being segregated. The exact amount of loss is yet to be ascertained”.