SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Small Scale Industrial Association (KSSIA) has expressed its deep regret over the loss of a prominent wood-based industrial unit in the Baghi Ali Mardan Khan industrial estate, which was devastated by a fire on the night of December 28-29, 2024. The unit, owned by Syed Sajad Ahmad Qalander, specialises in the manufacturing of high-end furniture and wooden artefacts. The fire completely engulfed the facility, destroying the building, raw materials, and finished goods, and severely damaging the plant and machinery. The full extent of the financial losses is still under investigation, though the damage is expected to be substantial.
KSSIA extended its heartfelt sympathy and support to Syed Sajad Qalander and other members of the Ess Que Group during this difficult time. The association also expressed appreciation for the prompt and coordinated efforts of the Fire and Emergency Department, whose timely intervention was crucial in containing the fire and preventing further damage to surrounding units.
The Police Department, led by SHO Lalbazaar Ashfaq Ahmad, was also commended for its swift action in ensuring the safety and security of those involved. On Sunday, the General Manager of SICOP Waseem Dev, along with other officials, visited the site to express solidarity with the affected unit.
In light of the tragedy, the KSSIA has called on the Advisory Committee of the Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK), led by Shahid Kamili, to push for the implementation of an infrastructure audit for industrial estates across the valley. The association is urging authorities to prioritize the installation of firefighting systems, among other infrastructure improvements, to safeguard industrial units from similar disasters in the future.
KSSIA President Syed Fazal Illahi, along with office bearers and members including Shabir Ahmad, Haamid Chashoo, Aqib Gulzar, and Manzoor Ahmad, remained at the site until dawn, overseeing the efforts to extinguish the fire and ensuring that all possible actions were taken to mitigate further damage. The incident has highlighted the pressing need for better fire safety infrastructure in industrial areas across the region.
