Banjar locals thank CM Sukhu for nod to new fire station

Residents of Banjar subdivision have expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for addressing their long-standing demand for a fire station in the region. The nearest fire station, located in Largi, is 21 km away, and poor road conditions on National Highway-305 often delay fire tenders. During a fire in Tandi village on January 1, fire services were delayed by over an hour due to congestion and the incomplete 300-metre stretch of the Banjar bypass, pending construction for over two years.

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The fire in Tandi village devastated nearly half the settlement, destroying 17 houses and six cow sheds, leaving 33 families homeless. Winters exacerbate fire risks, as most homes are wooden, and residents stockpile firewood and fodder. The close proximity of homes and the lack of accessible water sources further escalate the damage caused by fires.

The Banjar subdivision has faced numerous fire tragedies over the years. Major incidents include a 2015 fire in Kotla village that destroyed 72 houses and an ancient temple, and a 2007 fire in Mohini village that reduced 18 houses and 17 cow sheds to ashes. More recently, a 2023 fire near Banjar’s Old Bus Stand gutted nine shops and four residential structures.

Hariram, a local resident, emphasised the urgency of constructing the fire station and improving fire-fighting infrastructure. He also called for expediting the installation of RCC and prefabricated water tanks with pipelines and fire hydrants to combat fires in remote villages inaccessible by road. These measures have been under consideration since 2021 but remain unimplemented.

The establishment of the new fire station in Banjar is a crucial step towards ensuring the safety and security of residents in the region.