Kullu’s Jhanihar village reduced to ashes, winter chill deepens pain; PWD Minister rushes aid, seeks ₹7.5 lakh compensation
Kullu, Banjar Subdivision — A massive fire tore through Jhanihar village under Nawanda panchayat late Monday night, leaving families homeless as winter temperatures continue to dip in the high-altitude region.
Dozens of kathkuni houses — built with timber and stone — were gutted within minutes as flames fed on dry paint, wooden structures, and haystacks stored for winter fodder and fuel.
Though police are yet to confirm the cause, villagers strongly suspect a short circuit sparked the inferno.
Initial estimates suggest losses running into several lakhs, with many residents losing their homes, cattle sheds, food grains, and essential winter supplies.
Locals say the fire was so intense that even stored fodder and fuelwood — crucial for surviving sub-zero months — turned to ash.
“Winters are harsh here. Without shelter and fodder, survival becomes extremely difficult,” a villager said, urging the administration for immediate relief.
PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh rushed to the spot on Tuesday morning, met the fire-hit families, and assured full support from the government. Overwhelmed by the devastation, he shared his grief in emotional words:
“Muskhil ki ghadi mein, saath hoon apne Pradesh ke… apne logon ki himmat ban, har raah aasaan banaun.”
On behalf of the Raja Virbhadra Singh Foundation, the minister announced ₹3 lakh as immediate assistance to the affected families.
Singh further said that restoration of village roads and span construction will be taken up on priority to help the area regain normalcy.
He also stated that he will request the Chief Minister to provide ₹7.5 lakh compensation per family under the Disaster Management Act.
“The pain of this village is heartbreaking. No family will be left alone in this crisis; we will rebuild together,” he assured.
Authorities are now assessing exact losses, including livestock deaths, destroyed winter stock, household goods, and structural damage, to prepare a formal relief report.
As night temperatures continue to hover around freezing, the fire-ravaged families urgently need temporary shelters, warm clothing, food, and fodder. Local volunteers and panchayat members have begun pooling resources, but villagers say government intervention must be swift.
The district administration is expected to submit a preliminary loss assessment soon.
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