A broiler poultry farm at Indiranagar village under Sabroom subdivision was completely gutted in a fire in the early hours of the morning, causing an estimated loss of Rs 7.5 lakh to its owner, Biswajit Majumder.
According to reports, the fire broke out at around 3:30 am, engulfing the poultry shed and destroying poultry feed, essential medicines and other materials stored at the farm. Around 1,000 chicks, reportedly just 12 days old, perished in the blaze, leaving the farm owner facing a major financial setback.
The incident has sparked concern among local residents, particularly as another poultry farm in the surrounding area was reportedly destroyed in a similar fire just three to four days earlier.
The occurrence of two such incidents within a short span has raised suspicions among residents, with questions being raised over whether the fires were accidental or involved possible foul play. However, the exact cause of the latest blaze remains unknown, and no conclusion can be drawn until the circumstances are properly investigated.
For Majumder, the fire has resulted in the destruction of a business built through considerable investment, hard work and dedication. The loss of the chicks, feed, medicines and poultry infrastructure is expected to have a serious impact on his livelihood.
The back-to-back incidents have also highlighted the vulnerability of small-scale poultry farmers, whose livelihoods can be severely affected by unexpected disasters. Local residents have called for a thorough investigation into both incidents to establish the cause of the fires and determine whether there was any deliberate attempt to damage the farms.
Residents have also stressed the importance of taking appropriate action if any wrongdoing is established and ensuring that such incidents do not recur.
With two poultry farms reportedly gutted within just a few days in the area, concerns continue to grow over the circumstances surrounding the fires. A comprehensive investigation, along with possible assistance for the affected farmer, could help address local concerns and support Majumder in recovering from the devastating loss.
