Rehabilitation – Poonch Administration Reviews Fire Damage in Bufliaz Market Area

 Rehabilitation – The district administration in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district has stepped up efforts to support traders affected by a major fire that recently devastated a market area in Bufliaz village. Senior civil and police officials visited the site to examine the extent of the destruction and review measures aimed at helping affected families resume their livelihoods.

Senior Officials Conduct Ground Inspection

District Development Commissioner (DDC) Poonch, Ashok Sharma, led a team of officials during the visit to the affected area. The delegation also included the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Poonch and the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police for the Poonch-Rajouri Range.

The inspection followed a fire incident that occurred on June 7, resulting in extensive damage to multiple commercial establishments. According to officials, 13 shops were completely destroyed, causing severe financial setbacks for local business owners who depended on these establishments as their primary source of income.

Administration Focuses on Relief Measures

Speaking during the visit, Sharma said the administration has begun a comprehensive evaluation of the losses to ensure that assistance reaches the affected traders without unnecessary delay. He noted that the damaged shops were central to the economic well-being of several families in the village.

The DDC stated that directions had already been issued to concerned departments to conduct detailed assessments and prepare the required documentation. These reports will help authorities determine the nature and scale of relief and rehabilitation support that can be provided to those impacted by the disaster.

Rehabilitation Plans Underway

Officials reviewed the situation on the ground and discussed possible measures for restoring business activities in the affected area. Sharma said the administration was working in line with directions issued by higher authorities and that support announced for rehabilitation and livelihood restoration would be implemented after completion of the assessment process.

Representatives from relevant departments, including public infrastructure agencies, have been tasked with examining the losses and identifying practical solutions to assist the shop owners. Authorities emphasized that restoring economic stability for the affected families remains a priority.

Traders Assured of Government Assistance

During the visit, officials interacted directly with shopkeepers who suffered losses in the fire. Many traders shared concerns regarding the destruction of property, loss of inventory, and the impact on their income.

The administration assured those affected that all possible support would be extended under applicable relief measures. Discussions also focused on immediate requirements, including steps needed to help families cope with the aftermath of the incident and gradually return to normal business operations.

Community Concern Over Economic Impact

The fire has generated considerable concern among residents of Bufliaz, where several of the damaged shops played an important role in serving the local community. For many families, the businesses represented their primary means of earning a livelihood, making the losses particularly significant.

Local residents have expressed hope that relief efforts will be implemented quickly so that affected traders can rebuild their businesses and regain financial stability. The incident has highlighted the vulnerability of small commercial establishments to unexpected disasters and the importance of timely institutional support.

Assessment Report Expected Soon

Officials indicated that the process of documenting losses is progressing and that a final assessment report is expected in the coming days. Once completed, the findings will guide the distribution of relief and rehabilitation assistance.

The district administration has reaffirmed its commitment to helping affected traders recover from the setback and ensuring that necessary support reaches them at the earliest opportunity.