No lessons learnt, second fire in same shed at Ambala

Tribune News Service

Ambala, July 14

Had the authorities learnt a lesson from an incident that occurred years ago, the loss of several crores due to the fire at a shed in the grain market in Ambala City could have been averted.

Around 4.20 am, a major fire broke out under shed number 3 at the grain market today. No injuries were reported in the incident, but the fire damaged stocks of wheat, maize, gunny bags, a truck and the shed at the grain market.

Years ago, a fire incident had occurred under the same shed in which the gunny bags were destroyed and the shed had also suffered damage, but this time it is feared that the damage has resulted in a loss of crores of rupees.

Duni Chand, president of the Commission Agents Association, said, “A similar incident had occurred years ago in which gunny bags were destroyed in a fire. A short-circuit is being suspected to be the reason behind the fire, but an investigation should be carried out as due to rain, some people start living under the sheds and the fire could have broken out due to negligence on their par.”

Vice-chairman of the Market Committee, Ambala City, Bharat Bhushan Aggarwal has also sought an investigation into the matter. “It could be a conspiracy. An inquiry should be conducted and strict action taken against those responsible”.

Joint Commissioner of the Ambala Municipal Corporation Satinder Siwach and District Manager of Hafed VP Malik visited the spot. Ambala City MLA Aseem Goel also visited the spot and issued directions to the authorities.

Over 2,500 bales of gunny bags, 20-quintal maize, 1,700-tonne wheat and a truck were under the shed. 

The shed was completely damaged. Sources said the loss might be around Rs 14 crore.

The Hafed DM, VP Malik, said, “The matter is being investigated and a complaint has also been lodged at the Ambala City police station. The exact loss is yet to be ascertained.”

Siwach said, “It was a major fire. Besides Ambala City and Ambala Cantonment, fire engines were summoned from the Aarmy station, Naraingarh, Kaithal, Panchkula and Kurukshetra to battle the flames and it took nearly 11 hours to douse the flames. Luckily, there was no causality.”

The Station House Officer (SHO) of the Ambala City police station Satish Kumar said, “A Daily Diary Registes (DDR) has been lodged and further action will be taken after the investigation.”