Massive Fire Destroys Rice Worth Lakhs at Shahdol Seed Warehouse; Collector on Site

Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh: A severe fire broke out at the seed warehouse in Narsarah, Shahdol, resulting in the destruction of rice stocks worth several lakh rupees. The warehouse, used to store rice procured from various collection centers across the district, was engulfed in flames before fire services could bring it under control. Administrative officials, including the District Collector, rushed to the scene to assess the situation.

Details of the Incident
The blaze erupted early in the morning at the seed warehouse under the jurisdiction of Kotwali Police Station. Thick smoke and towering flames quickly reduced the stored rice to ashes. By the time the fire brigade arrived, significant losses had already occurred. Despite hours of effort, the fire caused extensive damage, raising serious questions about the government’s grain storage and safety protocols.

Warehouse Information
The warehouse falls under the Madhya Pradesh Warehousing and Logistics Corporation (MPWLC) in Shahdol, with a total storage capacity of approximately 2,800 metric tons. The fire affected the MPWLC-1, 2, and 3 warehouses located within the Narsarah complex.

Cause of Fire Unknown
The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. Officials have ordered a detailed probe to determine the reasons behind the sudden outbreak. Notably, the warehouse reportedly had no electrical fittings or connections that could have sparked the blaze.

Previous Issues Raise Concerns
Shahdol has recently witnessed irregularities in rice procurement, including reports of stones being found in rice sacks, which already raised concerns about storage practices. This fire has intensified scrutiny over the management and safety measures of government warehouses.

Administrative Response
Kotwali Police Station In-Charge Raghavendra Tiwari confirmed that the fire had occurred in the seed warehouse and stated that the investigation will determine its cause. Firefighting operations were ongoing at the time of the report, with authorities closely monitoring the situation.