House gutted near Kullu’s Malana
A devastating fire engulfed a two-and-a-half-storey house in the Bechin area near Malana village in Kullu district. The blaze, which erupted from Rathi Devi’s house, quickly consumed the wooden structure. Fortunately, no lives were lost, but the property damage is estimated at Rs 20 lakh.
Local authorities, including the Malana Panchayat president and Jari Naib Tehsildar, have been informed and have taken steps to provide immediate relief to the affected family. Temporary shelter and financial assistance have been arranged.
The incident highlights the growing concern of fire hazards in Kullu district, especially during the dry winter months. The region’s unique geographical challenges, including remote villages and limited road access, exacerbate the situation. In recent times, numerous forest fires and house fires have been reported, causing significant damage to property and the environment.
To address this issue, the Kullu District Disaster Management Authority has proposed the construction of RCC and prefabricated water tanks in remote villages, along with pipelines and fire hydrants. However, the implementation of this plan has been delayed since 2021.
