Fire Ravages Three Industrial Units in Bijbehara, Anantnag; Fourth Such Incident in Recent Months
Srinagar, November 29: A devastating fire broke out in Bijbehara’s industrial area in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Friday, causing extensive damage to three industrial units, including a factory owned by a migrant entrepreneur.
The blaze reportedly started in the early hours at Chinar Agro Industries and rapidly spread to adjacent units, engulfing buildings, machinery, and raw materials in its path. Muzaffar Ahmad, President of Industrial Estate Bijbehara, confirmed the extent of the destruction and noted the swift escalation of the fire.
Efforts by local firefighters to contain the inferno were met with significant challenges, as the flames threatened nearby establishments. While authorities have yet to determine the exact cause, an investigation is underway to ascertain the origins of the fire and assess the full extent of the damages.
The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) has expressed profound concern over the recurring incidents of industrial fires. FCIK President Shahid Kamili reached out to key officials, including the Director of Industries & Commerce, Kashmir, and the Managing Director of SICOP/SIDCO, urging immediate measures to address fire safety in industrial estates.
“This is the fourth such fire incident in recent months, following similar tragedies in the industrial estates of Lassipora, Burzalla, and Sopore,” Kamili stated, emphasizing the urgent need for preventive measures to safeguard industrial infrastructure and livelihoods.
The incident has left the local business community and industrial stakeholders shaken, with calls for enhanced fire safety protocols and better emergency response mechanisms in industrial zones to prevent such devastating losses in the future.
