fire-destroys-16-homes-temples-in-kullu-s-banjar

A massive fire broke out on Monday in the remote Jhaniyar village in Banjar subdivision, Kullu district, destroying 16 houses, four cowsheds, and two temples. The blaze, which started around 1:30 pm, left several families homeless in the harsh winter. The fire reportedly began in a double-storey cowshed owned by Kailash Chand.

 

Initial reports suggest the fire started from a padhacha, a structure used to store grass and fodder, and spread quickly due to strong winds. Most houses in the village were made of wood, typical of Tirthan Valley’s traditional architecture, which allowed the flames to spread rapidly. Within minutes, almost the entire village was reduced to ashes before firefighting teams could reach.

 

Jhaniyar village lies within the ecozone of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Himalayan National Park. The area’s steep terrain and lack of road access made it difficult for fire services to arrive on time. Firefighters reached the nearby Tinder village to support locals, who tried desperately to douse the flames using water and sand. However, the strong winds and dry weather made the task nearly impossible.

 

Banjar SDM Pankaj Sharma said relief work had started in the affected area. “Nothing could be saved from this tragic fire. Our revenue teams are on-site assessing losses and providing immediate relief to the victims,” he said. The Deputy Commissioner of Kullu also visited the village with senior officials to oversee the situation and ensure quick assistance.

 

No human casualties have been reported, though a calf belonging to Kailash Chand died in the fire. Early estimates put the total loss at about Rs 4.20 crore, including the destruction of homes, cowsheds, and temples dedicated to local deities Veemu Nag (Patyal) and Jogni Mata.

 

As night fell over the Tirthan Valley, the charred remains of the houses stood as a haunting reminder of the tragedy. The district administration has promised full support to the victims, including temporary shelters, food, and immediate financial aid.

 

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