Guwahati inferno remains uncontrolled for over 38 hrs; multiple agencies called in
Guwahati (PTI): Water tenders from the Indian Air Force, Indian Army and Guwahati Refinery joined efforts to contain a massive fire that has been raging for over 38 hours at a commercial complex in Guwahati housing a shopping mall and SBI's premium banking and commercial branches, officials said on Thursday.
More than 25 fire tenders have been pressed into service since the incident, with additional units arriving from Morigaon, Kamrup and Nalbari districts.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was also called in with high-tech smoke-reduction equipment to assist in the operation.
The fire broke out at Swagata Square Complex in ABC Point around 12.30 am on Wednesday.
"There is fire on the sixth floor. We are trying to douse it," a senior official of the Fire & Emergency Services (F&ES) told PTI.
Smoke is also billowing from the second floor, where the fire originated at the godown of the shopping mall, he added.
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"There is fire at the backside of the building. However, due to non-adherence to safety norms while construction, fire tenders are unable to reach the rear," another official said.
He said the authorities concerned did not enforce required safety norms while permitting a commercial structure of this size.
Visiting the site, Kamrup Metropolitan District Commissioner Sumit Sattawan said preliminary enquiries found that the building had all safety clearances.
"The building owner said the audit was done two months ago. So, prima facie, it seems the building does not have any issue," he told reporters.
The authorities will wait for a final report from the F&ES Department after dousing the blaze, Sattawan said.
"If there is any lapse, we will definitely take action against those responsible. We will come to know about the details of the origin of the fire from the report," he added.
So far, only one firefighter has sustained a minor injury and was treated at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital.
"Our boys immediately responded to the fire call post-midnight on Wednesday and reached the spot within 15 minutes. We could stop the fire from spreading," the F&ES official said.
"The fire originated at the godown of the mall on the second floor, where a lot of inflammable materials and clothes were stored," he added.
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), in a statement, said fire personnel are attempting to control the spread of fire and prevent it from reaching the lower floors.
"Due to zero visibility and heavy smoke, the fire could not be controlled effectively in the initial stage. The building premises and surrounding areas have been secured. Evacuation protocols were initiated for safety," it added.
ASDMA said that preliminary observation suggests significant damage to the affected floors, but a detailed assessment will be done once the fire is fully controlled.
The cause of the fire is still unknown at this stage, it added.
An ASDMA official told PTI that fire has been controlled, but it is not yet fully doused due to many inflammable materials in the building.
"There are no flames now but smoke is billowing. We are working on dousing the blaze completely," he said.
"We have been told that the fire has just been controlled, but fire department officials are still assessing the building. They are likely to observe it for few more hours. We will be able to check the lockers and other items in detail only after getting an entry into the different floors," a senior SBI official told reporters outside the building.
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Indian Defence forces committed to adapting to changing environment: CDS General Chauhan
Hyderabad (PTI): Asserting that war and warfare is at the cusp of a major revolution, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Saturday said the Indian Defence forces are committed to adapting to changing environment and imbibing reforms to remain ready and relevant.
Addressing the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) of 216 Course held at the Air Force Academy at Dundigal near here, General Chauhan said India's strength rests on robust institutions, democratic stability, and unwavering professionalism of our Armed Forces.
He said the intensity of operations may have ebbed, but Operation Sindoor continues.
"You (new officers) also join the Air Force at a moment when a new normal has firmly taken shape. An era defined by a high degree of operational preparedness, 24-7, 365 days. The intensity of operations may have ebbed, but Operation Sindhur continues," he said.
He further said the newly trained officers are entering the Indian Air Force during a phase of deep transformation of the Indian Armed Forces.
Integrated structures, joint operations, and national pursuit of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence are shaping the future of India's military strength, he said.
"Your journey ahead will be accordingly guided by Jai, the first word of Jai Hind, that's victory. 'J' stands for jointness, fighting as one nation, one force. 'A' stands for Atmanirbhar Bharat, trusted platforms and systems made not just for India but for the world. And finally, 'I' for innovation, daring to think ahead and to be ahead of the curve," he explained.
General Chauhan further said battles in the older domains will always remain contested, often brutal. But in the new domains, they will be smart, swift, and shaped by intellect, innovation, and initiative. The force that masters new frontiers is more likely to prevail in future conflicts.
