The Conservator of Forests, South Kashmir, Irfan Ali Shah today visited the remote tribal Umoh area of Verinag, Anantnag where three houses and cattle shed belonging to Gujjar community were gutted completely in a midnight blaze sometime ago.The Conservator at the occasion visited the affected house owners from the tribal community and listened to the pleas and concerns of the fire victims.Expressing his sympathies and grief to the fire victims over the incident, Shah assured to extend all possible help to affected victims. He termed the incident “unfortunate” and “tragic”.
“The incident led to the loss of property of poor people from the Tribal community living on the forest fringe and added that all possible measures will be taken to help the victims. He also directed the Range Officer to follow up the case with officials of Revenue Department for speedy possible help to the fire victims.The Conservator of Forests while interacting with the local tribal leaders of the area said that the Forest Department will provide timber to the fire victims as per norms. During the visit, he expressed sympathy and solidarity with the fire victims and assured them of facilitating their early rehabilitation and rebuilding of their damaged properties.The local sarpanch and elders from the tribal community thanked the Conservator of Forests for his kind gesture and reach-out.