Lop Sharma Forms Six-Member Panel to Evaluate Damage to Jammu’s Fire‑Hit Markets

Union Minister Lop Sharma announced the creation of a six‑member panel tasked with quantifying the economic impact of the fire that damaged several markets in Jammu. The panel, comprising officials from the state disaster management authority, the municipal corporation, and representatives of the affected traders, will conduct a ground survey and gather data on inventory loss, infrastructure damage, and livelihood disruption.

The committee is expected to submit its findings within the next two weeks, enabling the government to allocate appropriate compensation and reconstruction funds. Authorities have pledged swift assistance to help merchants resume operations and to prevent further economic distress in the region.

The fire, which broke out last week, gutted stalls and caused significant material loss, prompting local business groups to demand a transparent assessment. Sharma’s move aims to provide an objective basis for relief measures and to restore confidence among the trading community.