Baddi admn steps up rehab of fire-hit migrants

In a compassionate response to the fire that devastated a migrant settlement at Bhatoli Kalan yesterday, the Baddi administration has intensified relief measures to assist those affected. The tragic blaze left 200 people homeless, with 19 jhuggis (makeshift homes) completely destroyed. The fire claimed the life of a three-and-a-half-year-old girl, while the victims lost all their belongings.

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Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire was caused by shoddy electrical wiring, leading to a short circuit. A police probe is currently underway to determine the exact cause of the incident.

In the wake of the tragedy, Baddi SDM Vivek Mahajan shared that Rs 25,000 in interim relief has been provided to the family of the deceased girl, who hailed from Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh.

To offer immediate shelter, eight families have been accommodated in a complex provided by Birla Textiles, while tents have been set up for the remaining displaced families. In addition to temporary shelter, each individual has been given a blanket, and food arrangements have been made with the support of local traders, residents, and Birla Textiles staff.

The devastation has left the migrant families struggling to rebuild their lives, as they not only lost their homes but also their valuables. In a further show of support, a gurdwara at Bhatoli Kalan has offered to provide both accommodation and food to the affected families.

The relief efforts were closely overseen by local officials, with SDM Mahajan ensuring that all immediate needs were met late into the evening.

As part of the continued support, Rs 1,000 in monetary assistance has been provided to 45 affected families as interim relief. Additionally, each family has received a kit of utensils and rations under the guidance of local MLA Ramkumar Chawdhary. The collective efforts of the administration, local community, and businesses have helped to alleviate the hardships faced by the victims of this devastating fire.