Marmat, December 24 – A devastating fire engulfed a two-story poultry farm in Goha of Tehsil Marmat in Doda district, on Tuesday evening, leaving more than 700 chickens dead and causing substantial financial losses to the owner, Pawan Kumar, son of Sarup Chand.
The blaze broke out at approximately 8:15 p.m. near the Tehsil office in Marmat and quickly consumed the poultry farm. Local residents were the first to spot the fire, and immediate rescue efforts were launched by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and community members. Officer Chowki Goha and his team played a pivotal role in the response.
Despite the concerted efforts, the intensity of the fire and the lack of nearby firefighting resources resulted in significant damage. Fire and Emergency Services from Doda, nearly 40-50 kilometers away, were called but could not arrive in time to prevent the destruction.
This incident has reignited local demands for the establishment of a Fire and Emergency Services unit in Marmat. Speaking to The Chenab Times, Mohd Sayed Khan, a local resident, expressed frustration over the lack of critical infrastructure.
“We have been demanding a dedicated fire station in Marmat for years. This tragic incident could have been avoided if firefighting resources were available locally,” said Khan.
Yaseen Wani, another resident, echoed the sentiment, urging authorities to prioritize the issue. “It’s not just about one incident. Lives, livelihoods, and property are at risk without adequate emergency services. We hope this serves as a wake-up call for the administration.”
Residents have long highlighted the vulnerability of Marmat and neighboring areas due to the absence of essential emergency services. Despite repeated appeals to authorities, no significant steps have been taken to address the problem.
The district administration has yet to issue a statement regarding the incident or future plans to establish a Fire and Emergency Services unit in Marmat.
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Naeem ul Haq Wani is Senior Editor of The Chenab Times.
