Dharamshala’s Hotel Dhauladhar gutted in evening inferno Amid ongoing renovation
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Shimla, Dec 5,
A massive fire engulfed the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation’s (HPTDC) iconic Hotel Dhauladhar on Thursday evening, causing extensive damage to the building’s reception area and parts of its upper floors. Preliminary reports indicate that the blaze originated in the hotel’s kitchen before swiftly spreading to adjoining sections, fuelled by the extensive use of wooden interiors.
Authorities immediately disconnected the power supply to the densely populated Kotwali Bazaar as a precaution. Three fire tenders were pressed into service, but officials at the spot said the wooden structure, coupled with ongoing renovation work on the upper floors, posed significant challenges in bringing the flames under control.
Given the seriousness of the situation, all hotel staff, officials, and media personnel staying in the premises were safely evacuated. The surrounding area was also cleared to prevent crowding and ensure unhindered rescue and firefighting operations.
Senior officials, including HPTDC Chairman R.S. Bali, the Deputy Commissioner of Kangra, and the SDM Dharamshala, reached the site and are continuously supervising the containment efforts.
Renovation work on the roof, which was recently replaced at an estimated cost of around Rs one crore, is suspected to have intensified the spread of the fire, though the exact cause will be determined only after a detailed investigation.
Hotel Dhauladhar, situated in Kotwali Bazaar, is widely regarded as a key accommodation hub for administrative and media personnel during the winter session.
The full extent of the damage would be assessed by the fire department and district administration once the firefighting operation is completed.
Authorities said a comprehensive report on the cause and losses incurred would be released after formal evaluation.
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