Charities from Chenab Valley, Kashmir rally to shelter Warwan fire survivors

Anantnag, Oct 29: As winter approaches, charities from Chenab Valley and Kashmir have mobilised reconstruction aid for the Warwan Valley fire victims in Kishtwar district.

A devastating fire on October 14 in Mulwarwan village left around 70 families homeless.

With a narrow window before snowfall, various voluntary organisations are working tirelessly to deliver essential materials to the region, focusing now on reconstruction rather than just relief.

Leading these efforts are the Doda-based charity Ababeel and Syed-u-Saadat Foundation from Anantnag, who are gathering and distributing critical construction supplies.

Ababeel, which has led several rehabilitation efforts, posted on social media platforms that it raised Rs 1.54 crore for the Warwan relief fund till October 23.

The charity has sent essential materials, including bricks and tin sheets.

“The winter’s onset makes full construction impossible now, but we are ensuring that necessary materials reach the affected families so that they can start rebuilding once conditions improve,” said Advocate Hassan Babar, a volunteer with Ababeel.

Their target includes distributing 7 lakh bricks and 6000 roof sheets.

The Syed-u-Saadat Foundation has partnered with Ababeel for coordinated relief, arranging an additional 1 lakh bricks and 500 roof sheets.

“Our team will transport this material to Warwan on Friday,” said Showkat Ahmad Sofi, Chairman of Syed-u-Saadat Foundation.

Besides construction supplies, the foundation is also providing food essentials like cooking oil, pulses, and spices, as well as school bags and stationery for affected children.

The affected villagers have expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support.

“These organisations are our lifeline,” said Sajad Ahmad Wani, whose house and cowshed were lost in the fire. “They have even erected sheds for our livestock, which are crucial.”

Sheikh Aadil, a volunteer with the Syed-u-Saadat Foundation, said, “Helping our brothers in distress is both a moral and religious duty.”

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has already sanctioned Rs 1.70 crore, providing Rs 2 lakh per affected family, and promised additional support from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.

However, voluntary organisations emphasise the need for more resources for sustained rehabilitation.

“We are working with the district administration to secure free timber for the families, and we hope this materialises soon,” Babar said.

The Marwa-Warwan-Margan Top road, the only access route to Warwan, will soon close due to heavy snowfall, isolating the area for up to six months.

With 6 feet of snow anticipated, transporting materials over winter will be nearly impossible.

Cement, bricks, plywood, and roof sheets have to be sourced from Anantnag, while sand, gravel, and timber are sourced locally.

The nearest brick kiln is 90 km away in Achabal.

“It’s essential to stockpile tin sheets, plywood, and timber so that reconstruction can begin as soon as weather permits,” Babar said.

The charity is working with architects to design a new colony for the victims, complete with basic amenities.

In addition to homes, the community urgently needs shelters for the livestock.

Approximately 1000 animals, including cows, buffaloes, goats, and sheep, lost both shelter and fodder in the fire.

“The grass and building material for animal shelters have been sourced from Kashmir,” Babar said.

He said solar panels and gas stocks are being distributed to villagers, who lack power and phone connectivity in the remote area.