A massive fire has ripped through the Karnataka Milk Federation's warehouse, resulting in one of the most significant financial losses in the dairy cooperative's history. The inferno, which erupted in the early hours, completely destroyed approximately 50,000 cans of premium Nandini ghee, valued at a staggering ₹700 crore.
The Scale of Destruction
The devastating blaze consumed the entire stock of Nandini ghee stored at the facility, turning the premium dairy product into ashes. Firefighters battled the flames for several hours before gaining control, but the damage had already been done. The warehouse, located in a key industrial area, contained ghee stocks meant for distribution across Karnataka and neighboring states.
Immediate Response and Investigation
Emergency services responded quickly to the alarm, with multiple fire tenders rushing to the scene. However, the intensity of the fire made containment extremely challenging. Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact cause of the blaze, with initial reports suggesting an electrical short circuit as the possible trigger.
Impact on Karnataka Milk Federation
This catastrophic event represents one of the largest single-incident financial losses for the state's premier dairy cooperative. The KMF, known for its popular Nandini brand products, now faces significant supply chain disruptions and financial setbacks. The destroyed ghee stock was part of the federation's strategic reserve, potentially affecting market availability in the coming weeks.
Safety Concerns Raised
The incident has raised serious questions about fire safety protocols at major food storage facilities across the state. Industry experts are calling for immediate safety audits of all dairy product warehouses and enhanced fire prevention measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
