Pulwama, Jul 20 (KNO): Residents of Aripal tehsil in South Kashmir's Tral subdivision of Pulwama district have reiterated their demand for the establishment of a Fire and Emergency Services Station, stating that the absence of a local firefighting facility results in delayed emergency response and leads to extensive damage to property and puts human lives at risk.
Locals of Aripal told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that despite their area being one of the largest and most densely populated tehsils in the region, it continues to remain without a dedicated fire station, leaving thousands of residents vulnerable during emergencies.
They said whenever a fire breaks out in the area, fire tenders have to be rushed from Tral town consuming valuable time during which the blaze often spreads uncontrollably.
"By the time fire engines reach Aripal from distant locations, houses, shops, livestock sheds and other structures are often engulfed in flames. The delay has repeatedly resulted in huge financial losses that could have been prevented with a nearby fire station," a local resident said.
Another resident said several fire incidents reported in recent years have exposed the area's inadequate emergency preparedness. "Aripal comprises numerous villages spread over a vast geographical area. In a fire emergency, every minute is crucial, but we are forced to wait for firefighting teams coming from far-off places. Such delays make rescue operations difficult and increase the scale of destruction," he said.
Residents said the region has witnessed repeated incidents involving residential houses, commercial establishments and nearby forest areas, but the absence of immediate firefighting facilities has made it difficult to contain flames before they cause widespread damage. "It is unfortunate that in today's time we are still deprived of such an essential emergency service. Fire accidents not only destroy property worth lakhs of rupees but also endanger precious human lives. A local fire station is no longer a luxury but a necessity," another resident said.
The locals urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration and the Fire and Emergency Services Department to take immediate steps to sanction and establish a Fire and Emergency Services Station in Aripal, taking into account the area's population, geographical spread and vulnerability to fire incidents.
They expressed hope that the establishment of a fire station in the tehsil would ensure a swift response to emergencies, minimise damage to life and property, and provide much-needed relief to the residents of Aripal and its adjoining villages—(KNO)