Srinagar, Dec 30 (KNO): Residents of Srinagar's Lal Bazar area have once again highlighted the urgent need for a dedicated Fire & Emergency Services station in their neighbourhood.
Locals told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that despite decades of demand, the establishment of such a facility remains pending, even as the area’s population has grown and multi-storey buildings have increased.
Lal Bazar, one of Srinagar’s most congested neighbourhoods with narrow lanes, remains dependent on distant fire stations, causing delays during emergencies.
“Whenever a fire breaks out here, the tenders take time to reach due to distance and road congestion,” said Nisar Ahmad Malik, a resident.
He added that if there had been a local fire station, several incidents in recent years could have been contained before causing major damage.
Another resident said the absence of a fire station has made the locality particularly vulnerable during winters. “We use electric blankets and heaters during this season, and any short circuit can turn dangerous. The government must act before another tragedy occurs,” he said.
MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq, told KNO that the matter is under active consideration. “Land is not available yet. There is a piece under the Housing Department, and I am in touch with them. Very soon, there will be a station,” he assured—(KNO)