LoP Bhupinder Hooda at D-Park Market.
Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Friday met traders who suffered losses due to the devastating fire at their shops in D-Park Market and expressed condolences to the families of three people who lost their lives in the blaze.
As traders have begun submitting compensation applications, Hooda inquired about the extent of the losses suffered by the shopkeepers and termed the relief announced by the state government as inadequate. He said victims should receive full compensation and arrangements should be made for the reconstruction of shops. Additionally, he demanded that a government job be provided to each family that lost a loved one in this tragedy.
Hooda added that the damage could have been minimised had the Fire Department been fully equipped. However, the current situation is such that 50 per cent of the firefighter posts in the state are lying vacant; recruitment for these positions has been stalled for two and a half years.
“According to information, the condition of fire engines is poor, one vehicle broke down while attempting to douse flames at D-Park and failed to spray water. The water pressure of the first vehicle was too low to be effective against the blaze. It took the second vehicle nearly 50 minutes to arrive, by which time significant damage had already occurred,” he said.
Responding to media queries, Hooda pointed out that the fire station was relocated outside the city. He emphasized the need for a fire station within the city limits, ensuring that assistance can be provided as quickly as possible.
“Reports of fire incidents are continuously emerging from across the country, resulting in severe loss of life and property. In such a situation, governments, including that of Haryana, must ensure that the Fire Department remains fully alert and is equipped with all the necessary gear to swiftly bring fires under control, even in the most inaccessible areas,” said Hooda.
Deputy Speaker announces relief
Vidhan Sabha Deputy Speaker Dr Krishan Lal Middha accompanied by former minister Manish Grover inspected the D-park market on Friday and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and property caused by the fire
Describing the incident as tragic, he also visited the homes of three individuals who lost their lives in the blaze and offered his condolences to their families nMiddha also announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each from his discretionary fund to the affected families
He interacted with shopkeepers and gathered information about the losses they had suffered. He also advised all shopkeepers to install fire extinguishers in their establishments so that emergency situations can be brought under control quickly
