Dr Jitendra Singh advocates relief for affected traders
Jammu | Nov, 09: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Monday stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) during festive seasons following a massive fire at a Jammu warehouse complex on Diwali night.
Expressing relief that no loss of human life occurred as workers had gone home to celebrate, Dr Singh highlighted the need for preventive measures. He noted that the storage of highly inflammable materials—including cotton, acid, oil, and dry brooms—accelerated the flames. “The Fire and Emergency Services authorities should hold discussions with warehouse representatives, including President Deepak Gupta, to establish safety guidelines and precautions for storing such materials,” he said.
“The responsibility of the Fire and Emergency Services Department is not limited to extinguishing fires; it also includes preventing them and creating awareness about fire safety,” Dr Singh added, directing that fire tenders remain on standby at sensitive locations during festivals.
Addressing financial losses, the Minister acknowledged that commercial properties fall outside standard SDRF norms, but assured traders he would request special consideration from the UT administration for financial compensation, sources said.
