Water Shortage Exacerbates Damage in Sajek Fire; Resorts Burned to Ashes

Local Correspondent

The fire in Sajek has turned the surrounding area into a scene of devastation. Everything is unrecognizable. Resort owners and employees are in despair, some silently staring at the charred remains of their resorts and restaurants.

“We buy water from the foot of the hill and transport it by vehicle to run our resorts and cottages. When the fire broke out, we had no way to extinguish it. My resort has been reduced to ashes,” said Apon De, owner of Shailkuti Resort, his voice choked with tears.

On Monday, February 24, around 12:30 PM, a massive fire broke out in the Ruilui area of Sajek, burning down at least 50 cottages, resorts, restaurants, and homes. However, locals believe the number of affected structures could be higher.

By 5 PM, the fire was somewhat under control, according to a Fire Service official. Seven firefighting units from Rangamati, Khagrachhari Sadar, Dighinala, Panchhari, Matiranga, and Longadu are working to control the blaze. However, water shortages have made extinguishing the fire extremely challenging. Even with the Fire Service and resorts’ stored water, it has been difficult to bring the fire under control quickly.

Pankaj Kumar Barua, Station Officer of Dighinala Fire Service, said the distance from their station to Sajek is significant, and the lack of local water sources has hindered firefighting efforts. They have used water from vehicles and stored water from the resorts as much as possible. Locals are also bringing water from the foot of the hill, but it is time-consuming.

Apon De, owner of Shailkuti Resort, said the fire was first spotted on the roof edge of Ecovally Resort. It spread rapidly in all directions. With no nearby fire service, it was impossible to control the flames.

So far, the names of 38 resorts, cottages, and restaurants affected by the fire have been identified. These include Chayanir, Toruchaya, Sajek Eco Resort, Atrika, Meghbatayan, Megher Ghor, Adhra, Morning Star, Shalka, Rimi Eco Cottage, Moonnight, Machang Ghor, Meghla Akash, Sansita, Bikash Bilash, Paharpanji, Madal, Ecobihan, Sairu, Shalka, Meghbati, Ecovally, Obakash, Meghchhut, TGB Lusai, Neel Pahar, Tongthong, Adhra, Meghventure, Shailkuti, Fadangthang, and Chandor Bari Cottage.

Among the restaurants and tea stalls affected are Chiletoka, Meghpai, Pedatingting, Siswal, Marua Di Restaurant, and Cafedor Tea Stall.

Additionally, locals reported that the house of Sajek Headman (Mouza Chief) Lalthanga Lusai also caught fire.

Bishwa Bikash Tripura, a teacher at Ruilui Junior High School, said, “Numerous resorts and shops are still burning. The lack of sufficient water has increased the extent of the damage.”

Shirin Akter, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Baghaichhari, stated that everyone is working together to control the fire. However, it is not possible to determine the exact cause of the fire at this moment.