Fire breaks out at Sirmaur fair
Panic spread at the state-level Vaman Dwadashi Fair in Sarahan today when a fire broke out in a sweets shop adjacent to the fairground. The incident, which occurred during the fair’s closing ceremony, could have led to a major disaster, but the prompt response of the Fire Department averted any serious mishap. No casualties were reported.
According to eyewitness accounts, one of the sweets stalls near the crowded fairground caught fire. As flames spread quickly inside the makeshift shop, chaos ensued as people panicked out of fear. The shop’s proximity to the fairground only added to the tension, with large crowd in attendance, including eminent guests.
Industries, Labour Employment, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan was present nearby as the chief guest at the fair’s closing ceremony when the incident occurred. He was reportedly only a short distance from the site of the fire when it started.
Firefighters from the Fire Department acted swiftly and arrived on the scene within minutes of the fire breaking out. Displaying quick reflexes and efficiency, they managed to control the flames before they could spread further and cause significant damage. The team’s timely action prevented what could have been a catastrophic event, particularly with thousands of people attending the fair.
Officials confirmed that had the fire had been brought under control.
The authorities praised the Fire Department personnel for their efficient response. While the exact cause of the fire is under investigation, early reports suggest that it could have been due to negligence or fault in shopowner’s equipment.
In the aftermath of the incident, Chauhan emphasised the importance of fire safety measures, particularly at large public events. He called for stricter fire safety regulations and emergency response protocols to be implemented at all fairs and festivals across the state.
The Vaman Dwadashi Fair, a major cultural event in Himachal Pradesh, draws large crowds every year, and this year’s edition saw significant attendance.
Fair concludes
The Vaman Dwadashi fair concluded with a ceremony presided over by Industries, Labor Employment, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Harshwardhan Chauhan.
Addressing the gathering, Chauhan emphasised the rich cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh, highlighted that festivals were deeply rooted in ancient traditions.
The minister revealed plans to develop the Ginighat area in Sirmaur as an industrial hub. He also announced a grant of Rs 60 lakh for the construction of additional rooms at the Public Works Department (PWD) guest house in Sarahan and the building of the CDPO office.
The minister congratulated the fair committee for the successful organisation of the event. As part of the ceremony, he also unveiled the souvenir of the Vaman Dwadashi Fair.
Earlier in the day, Additional District Magistrate Nahan, LR Verma, honoured the chief guest. Former Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Gangu Ram Musafir, and Secretary of the Pradesh Congress Committee, Dayal Pyari, also shared their thoughts on the occasion.
The event was attended by Sub Divisional Magistrate Sarahan Praveen Kumar, officials from various departments, and other prominent members of the community.
