Devastating Fire Engulfs Tandi Village in Banjar, Kullu; 17 Houses, 6 Cattle Sheds, and Sacred Temple Store Reduced to Ashes; Estimated Loss of Rs. 10 Crore.
Shimla:
A catastrophic fire broke out in Tandi village, located in the Banjar sub-division of Kullu district today, destroying 17 houses, 6 cattle sheds, and the sacred temple store dedicated to the deity Sheshnag. The fire, which started around 3 PM on Wednesday, has caused an estimated loss of Rs10 crore, with the total damage yet to be fully assessed.
The blaze reportedly started at the cattle shed of local resident Dilip Singh, quickly spreading to surrounding residential houses. The majority of the homes in Tandi village are made of wood, which fueled the fire’s rapid expansion, leaving nothing behind but ashes. Along with the homes, six cattle sheds also caught fire and were completely destroyed.
Tragically, the temple store of the village’s deity, Sheshnag, also fell victim to the fire, with all its sacred offerings and valuable items being consumed by the flames. Some other houses suffered partial damage due to the fire, but the extent of the destruction remains under assessment.
Upon receiving the distress call, Banjar’s Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and other local authorities rushed to the site to coordinate relief and rescue efforts. The incident also drew the attention of local MLA Surender Shouri, who visited the site to offer his support.
As the situation is still unfolding, firefighting personnel from the local fire department, along with village residents, are working tirelessly to control the fire, which has not yet been fully extinguished. Emergency relief measures have been put in place by the administration to assist those affected by the disaster.
Authorities estimate the financial loss caused by the fire at around Rs. 10 crore, but a complete evaluation of the damage will only be possible once the fire is completely contained. The residents, devastated by the loss of their homes and livelihood, are being provided with necessary relief by the local administration, which is also coordinating with relief agencies for further support.
This tragic incident has left the village in shock, with the community coming together to deal with the aftermath. Efforts are underway to provide immediate assistance and begin the long process of rebuilding.
