Vadakkara : Blaze at Vadakara taluk office burnt down large number of major records. Lost to flames are historic documents, records pertaining to land across 28 villages, survey records, billing and pension records and so forth. Though a few documents could be retrieved albeit in soaked condition, it remains uncertain if they could be of much use. District Collector Narsinhu TL Reddy toured the spot and said it would not be difficult to recover records dated from 1992 that have been converted into digital form.
The fire that came as shocker to the region broke out early morning 5 am Friday. Fire started at the Records Room where all of the taluk and employee service records are stored. Migrant workers hired for dismantling the DEO building were first to notice the fire. They informed the blaze to the security staff of nearby court. who along with staff at adjoining sub-registrar office, summoned the Fire Force and informed police. The flames were doused by 11 in the morning. Over nine fire tenders from Vadakkara, Thalassery, Nadhapuram, Koylandy, Perambra units attended the fire.
Although there was plan earlier to replace the 150 year old structure, it was decided to retain the building as heritage in 2017-18 and repair works done.
KSEB officials toured the site hoping to find what caused the fire. There is no no prima facie indication of a short circuit, said Chief Engineer of Vadakkara Electrical Sub-division , PP Manoj, adding that, more inspections would be necessary for confirmation.
PWD Minister PA Mohamed Riyas, MLAs KK Rema, EK Vijayan, KP Kunjumohamed Kutty, Municipality Chairperson KP Bindu and Vice Chairman PK Satheesan Master visited the venue.
