Massive fire damages Himachal tourism hotel Dhauladhar in Kangra

A major fire broke out around 8:00 pm on Thursday at Hotel Dhauladhar, the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation’s (HPTDC) premier property in Kangra district, causing extensive damage to the kitchen and adjoining areas.

The blaze, which reportedly started in the kitchen, quickly spread to the wooden restaurant and conference hall, intensifying the situation.

Firefighters and emergency responders battled the flames for over two hours before bringing the blaze under control.

Officials said swift action by the hotel staff and personnel from the Jal Shakti Department played a crucial role in containing the fire and preventing a larger disaster.

Senior district officers, led by ADM Shilpi Beakta, reached the spot immediately to oversee rescue and containment efforts.

A key challenge for authorities was ensuring the safe evacuation of government officials staying at the hotel for the ongoing Vidhan Sabha session in Dharamsala. All 27 rooms were vacated as a precaution, and no casualties were reported.

Preliminary inputs from internal sources suggest the fire may have originated from a malfunctioning stove burner, though a formal probe is underway. The estimated loss is pegged at around ₹1 crore, with major damage reported in the kitchen, store area, equipment, and side lounge.

Hotel Dhauladhar, located in the heart of Kangra town, is one of HPTDC’s prime tourism assets. Managing Director Dr. Rajiv Kumar (IAS) said the corporation is committed to restoring and reopening the property at the earliest.