Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Nov 26: Around 60 lakh Indian rupees worth of goods were lost in the devastating fire that swept through the main market area of McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala on Friday evening, according to Karma, the shopkeeper of the Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) handicraft shop.
The blaze, which erupted around 6 PM on Nov. 22, quickly spread to neighbouring establishments, consuming two shops and four residential units causing extensive damage to local Tibetan businesses and residential units. Firefighters and local residents battled the flames for approximately five hours before bringing the situation under control.
Speaking to Phayul, Karma, the TCV shopkeeper, recounted a harrowing experience of the incident. “I was with my daughter and her friend and was about to close the store when I heard a loud sound of short circuit from the electricity board. The store contains numerous shawls and clothes which caught fire quickly.” In her attempt to salvage the inventory, Karma sustained burns on her hands and face. She estimated the lost merchandise, including statues, shawls, and clothing, to be worth approximately 50 to 60 lakhs.
The affected building is owned by the Dharamshala Tibetan Handicraft Cooperative Society. The TCV shop, where the fire originated, suffered complete destruction of its inventory. The adjacent shop, owned by a local Tibetan resident, suffered 40-60% damage to its goods.
The residential units situated above the shops were also severely affected. One home directly above the TCV shop was completely destroyed, while neighbouring rooms sustained 40-60% fire damage. No casualties were reported in the incident except minor injuries to the shopkeeper of the TCV store.
The home above the TCV shop, which was completely burned, belongs to an employee of the Dharamshala Tibetan Handicraft Cooperative Society. Speaking to Phayul, Lobsang Gyaltsen, President of the Dharamshala Tibetan Handicraft Cooperative Society stated, “Precisely calculating the employee’s total loss is challenging, but we estimate the minimum damage at 6 to 7 lakhs rupees. Currently, we have arranged alternative accommodation for the employee and are providing comprehensive support.”
“We have sought assistance from the District Commissioner of Kangra, the Department of Home CTA, and the Executive Office (Kashag),” said Dharamshala Settlement Officer Konchok Migmar. He further added that they have personally met with the District Commissioner, who has directed relevant departments to investigate the incident and provide necessary assistance to the affected parties.
