Fire Accident in East Block, Burma Camp. Prevention Measures Should be Prioritised

K Therie, Former President NPCC

The fire accident on Easter Sunday, 2023 devastated 260 houses and rendered 900 homeless according to GBs and Chairman. One lady Gulasani Salcia of about 85 years was charred to death. She was reported to be physically handicapped and as such, could not escape. Bursting gas cylinders coupled with gusty winds further worsened the situation. Loss of properties could not be assessed.

Looking for water, I saw a stinking drain filled with solid waste. Stagnant and blocked drains are all over Dimapur’s colonies.

In my observation, thatched houses without plastered walls was the main driver for the fire engulfing a vast area within a short period of time. Secondly, the houses were unplanned and were built too close to each other. The roads were too narrow and there was no water source nearby. The small roads leading to East Block also made it more difficult for the fire trucks to approach.

The Dimapur Municipal’s jurisdiction covers many parts of Dimapur. It is the duty of the Municipal to ensure all the above facilities, including fire safety. In the absence of a Municipal, it is the responsibility of the administration to ensure all measures that are expected in a City.

My sympathy goes to the victims and the aggrieved families who lost their shelter and properties. I hope the Govt. of the day will do justice in compensating the loss of properties and life.

It is a relief that the Chairman, GBs and leaders living in the area quickly constituted a Relief Committee. It was a great relief that Shri. Randemo Lotha from Nagaland Disaster Management Authority was already there monitoring. I was told PHE Dept. is providing drinking water. I hope they will also help with emergency toilets. On my way out, I met SDO(C). I am comforted that surely a realistic report will reach the appropriate authorities for appropriate action.