A massive fire broke out in Odia Basti, Chhola, on Monday afternoon, causing panic among residents. Upon receiving the news, Cooperation, Sports, and Youth Welfare Minister Vishvas Kailash Sarang rushed to the scene to assess the situation and reassure the affected families.
According to local residents, they repeatedly tried to contact municipal authorities and the fire department, but received no immediate response. Witnesses claimed that despite promptly informing the fire brigade, fire tenders arrived nearly two hours late. In the meantime, local people made efforts to extinguish the fire on their own.
Expressing strong displeasure over the delayed response, Minister Sarang called the Municipal Commissioner on the spot and reprimanded him. In a stern tone, he asked, "Why don’t you answer calls despite holding a responsible position?"
He directed officials to ensure immediate response in such emergencies and instructed them to improve fire brigade services. The minister also assured the affected families that all possible assistance would be provided.
According to residents, despite multiple alerts, the fire department failed to respond in time. However, following Minister Sarang’s intervention and reprimand, the fire tenders finally arrived at the scene. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the incident.
