||Black and White Digital News||

||Tejveer Singh ||

Jammu, May 14- In a remarkable display of bravery and efficiency, the Fire and Emergency Services personnel in Jammu averted a potential disaster on Monday evening, following a significant ammonia gas leak that sparked a fire in a cold storage and ice factory at Gole Pulley, Talab Tillo.

The fire, reported in the outskirts of Jammu, posed an immediate threat to the lives and property of residents in the vicinity.

According to officials, the prompt and decisive action by the fire and emergency services not only saved numerous lives but also protected assets worth crores of rupees from being consumed by the blaze.

*Rapid Evacuation and Brave Intervention*

As soon as the fire was detected, emergency services rushed to the scene. Firefighters quickly evacuated residents to safer locations while battling the flames. “The situation was extremely perilous due to the hazardous nature of the ammonia gas leak,” said an official spokesman. “Two officers, exhibiting commendable courage, attempted to shut off the leak despite the control valve being damaged.”

During the operation, several personnel sustained minor injuries as they worked tirelessly to contain the fire and prevent further gas leakage. An alternate mitigation strategy involving a mixture of water and baking soda was implemented under the direction of Deputy Director R.K. Raina, who coordinated the response by summoning additional fire tenders from nearby stations.

*Community and Official Response*

The rescue operation extended through the night, with teams from the police, administration, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) arriving to provide crucial support. By Tuesday morning, the leak had been controlled, and the operation was officially concluded around 2 PM.

Residents expressed their gratitude for the timely intervention, acknowledging the coordinated effort that prevented what could have been a catastrophic event. “Their swift action saved our lives and homes,” said a local resident.

*Regulatory Oversight and Safety Concerns*

This incident has raised significant concerns about the safety protocols and regulatory oversight regarding the establishment of industrial units involving hazardous substances like ammonia gas in residential areas. Ammonia, commonly used in refrigeration and ice production, poses severe risks due to its toxic and flammable nature. The gas can cause respiratory distress, skin burns, and in high concentrations, can be fatal.

Setting up such facilities requires stringent adherence to safety standards and proper regulatory permissions. Questions are now being asked about who authorized the placement of a high-risk factory in a densely populated area and whether all safety protocols were adequately enforced.

*Call for Action and Investigation*

In the aftermath, there is a call for a thorough investigation into the issuance of permissions for the factory at Gole Pulley. The community is urging authorities to re-evaluate the safety regulations and ensure that such establishments comply with all necessary safeguards to prevent future incidents. One of the locals told us that factory is running without permission from pollution control board and other departments. We urge the administration to check the permissions of factory and if documents are not in line then the license should be cancelled.

*Commendation for the Heroes*

The police and fire brigade teams have been widely praised for their exceptional service. Their quick, coordinated response undoubtedly saved lives and minimized property damage. Their actions serve as a testament to the dedication and bravery of Jammu’s emergency services personnel.

“The bravery and professionalism displayed by our fire and emergency services, supported by police and other agencies, have averted a major disaster,” said a senior official. “We owe them a debt of gratitude.”

As Jammu recovers from this incident, the focus now shifts to ensuring that robust safety measures are in place to protect communities from similar threats in the future. The incident at Gole Pulley serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regulatory vigilance and the critical role of emergency services in safeguarding public health and safety.