Tents raised in Jhanyiar amid freezing nights

In the aftermath of a devastating fire that reduced Jhanyiar village in Banjar subdivision of Kullu district, to heaps of ash and rubble, residents have begun constructing makeshift shelters to cope with the harsh winter now setting in. The blaze, which left 16 families homeless, has forced villagers to seek immediate refuge in temporary tents as they attempt to rebuild their lives from the ground up. The local administration provided tents material for the setup to the affected families.

In the initial days following the tragedy, villagers came together to construct two temporary sheds for their local deities, an essential cultural practice observed after such calamities. With this task completed, attention quickly shifted to providing safe and warm accommodation for displaced families. As of Friday, tents for three affected households, those of Dinanath, Vijay Singh and Padam Singh, have been set up, while preparations for additional shelters are underway in various locations around the village.

Community support has been pouring in steadily. Relatives, neighbours and volunteers have arrived from nearby areas to help construct the tents, level land and assist in other essential tasks. Despite this support, the severe winter cold remains one of the biggest challenges for families who have lost everything. Women, children, and the elderly are especially vulnerable as temperatures continue to drop sharply in the region.

According to local resident Harish Kumar, the flow of assistance from social organisations has not slowed. Yesterday alone, representatives from three different organisations visited the village, providing essential relief materials to the fire-affected families. To ensure that every household receives fair and equal support, villagers have formed a committee responsible for the proper distribution of donated goods.

Kailash, another resident, said the local administration provided tent material to the affected families for the setup of temporary shelters in the region. Few of them have setup in the area.

As villagers work tirelessly to set up more tents, many are also preparing land for their temporary shelters, hoping to create safe living conditions until permanent homes can be constructed. The determination of the villagers, combined with the steady support from local administration, organisations and individuals, provides a ray of hope amid the overwhelming devastation. However, with winter intensifying, ensuring adequate shelter and warmth remains the most urgent challenge for the people of Jhanyiar.

Hope rises from ashes

Sixteen families left homeless after a massive fire reduced the village to rubble. Residents are now building makeshift tents to survive the harsh winter

Administration provides tent material; three shelters already set up. However, villagers first rebuilt temporary sheds for local deities as per tradition

Neighbours, relatives and volunteers help level land and raise shelters. Social organisations also continue steady flow of relief essentials for the fire victims