Jammu, June 30 : The sorties of Indian Air Force with ‘Bambi Buckets’ assisted the local administration, police and army teams in dousing the devastating fire that broke out in Khari area of Banihal Tehsil in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir, here on Wednesday.
Around one dozen houses completely were gutted in the fire.
Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Masrat Ul Islam on Wednesday told UNI that on a requisition, choppers of the Indian Air Force also helped the rescue teams in dousing the fire.
He added that several IAF helicopters were pressed into service and one in Dal Lake to facilitate the ongoing firefighting operation launched to put off the massive blaze in Hijwah village in Banihal.
“The helicopter deployed near Char Chinari, with ‘Bambi Bucket’ facilitated the firefighting operation” he said.
In-charge police post Khari, Inspector Zaheer Iqbal said that as the village is located in a far flung area making it very difficult for fire tenders to reach the spot, teams of police, army, local administration along with local people, acted swiftly in controlling the fire.
Meanwhile the Deputy Commissioner Ramban on Tuesday evening visited Khari Tehsil soon after receiving reports of massive fire incident.
“As per the initial reports 12 houses were gutted in the blaze,” said the DC.
He said, “after receiving the information, the administration mobilized the rescue teams from the Fire and Emergency Service, which were assisted by the police, local youth and Army personnel.”
On reaching Khari, the Deputy Commissioner directed the Tehsildar to immediately conduct an assessment of the loss of proprties and submit the report for processing relief cases for the victims as per the norms.
“We have assured every possible help from the district administration for reconstruction of the damaged houses and restoration of the livelihood of the affected families,” he told UNI.
He said that immediate relief to the affected families on the spot, including ration and other necessary items was being provided.
