Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 25 January 2024
Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, the Member of Parliament representing Andaman and Nicobar Islands, extended heartfelt sympathy to the victims of the recent devastating fire in the Rangat area. The incident, which occurred on the night of January 22nd, resulted in the destruction of numerous shops and residential houses.
Sharma personally visited the affected area, engaging with victims to better understand their plight. During his visit, Sharma also held discussions with on-site officials to assess the extent of the damage.
Urging swift action, the Member of Parliament appealed to the Deputy Commissioner of North and Middle Andaman to expedite the assessment process and ensure the prompt issuance of compensation to aid the affected individuals. He specifically requested temporary shelters for the 62 victims currently reeling from the shock of the Rangat Fire Accidents.
Recognizing the bureaucratic hurdles faced by victims, Sharma sought the assistance of the Deputy Commissioner in recreating lost government certificates. Additionally, he emphasized the need for providing fire certificates to affected families, enabling them to rebuild their lives.
Expressing sorrow over the incident, Sharma commended the selfless act of Mr. Anil Kumar, a resident of Rangat, who voluntarily demolished his house to prevent the fire from spreading further. This courageous decision played a crucial role in safeguarding a significant portion of the local bazaar from the ravaging flames.
The Member of Parliament also extended appreciation to Mr. Bhumi, a contractor, for his prompt mobilization of excavators to carry out the demolition. The bravery of four excavator drivers – Mr. B. Jagdish, Mr. Krishna, Mr. Manindra Mondal, and Mr. Chandan – was acknowledged for their fearless efforts in demolishing the house amidst the fire, contributing significantly to the preservation of Rangat Bazaar.
In addition to praising individual acts of bravery, Sharma applauded the collective efforts of the local community, the Fire Brigade, Police Jawans, and the General Public. Their swift response and dedicated work played a crucial role in containing and extinguishing the fire, preventing further loss.