Jammu: Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha visited the Warehouse, Nehru Market, and Shiv Market here on Thursday evening to assess the extent of losses to shops from recent fires, announcing Rs 1 lakh in relief for each affected shopkeeper, an official press release informed.
While the October 25 fire gutted dozens of shops in Shiv Market near Jammu railway station, the November 8 blaze at Warehouse Nehru Market destroyed about 10 shops.
During the visit, the LG, along with senior officials, interacted with affected shopkeepers and members of the trade and business community and listened to their concerns, an official spokesperson said.
Sinha announced Rs 1 lakh in immediate relief from the Red Cross for each shopkeeper affected at Nehru Market and Shiv Market. He said, “I have no relief funds at my disposal, but as the president of the Red Cross Society, I requested them to provide some assistance through the Red Cross. They have arranged cheques of Rs 1 lakh each, which is the maximum support they can offer as per the rule.”
He said he understood the amount was very small compared to the losses shopkeepers had endured, but hoped it would provide at least some help during this difficult time.
“In the meantime, Divisional Commissioner Jammu and Deputy Commissioner Jammu are making every effort to ensure that you receive your insurance claims as soon as possible,” he said.
The spokesperson said immediate financial assistance of Rs 11 lakh has been given to affected shopkeepers at the Warehouse, along with Rs 27 lakh for affected shopkeepers at Shiv Market.
The LG directed the officials to expedite the damage assessment process and ensure prompt relief measures are extended to all those affected. He also emphasised the need to review and strengthen fire safety protocols across major commercial hubs to prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future.
“The entire UT administration stands with you. I assure the business community of all possible support from the Administration to help you rebuild your business at the earliest,” the LG said.
Officials said the LG has formed an enquiry committee comprising the Inspector General, Jammu, and the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, to ascertain the cause and circumstances of the fire incident at the Warehouse, Nehru Market. The committee is directed to probe any lapses or negligence, fix responsibility, and submit its report within 15 days.
The LG said the enquiry will be impartial, and accountability will be fixed.
Sinha was among others, accompanied by Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Principal Secretary Govind Jaiswal, and Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Vikas Kundal, the spokesperson said.
