Dry weather conditions triggering forest fires in Bhaderwah

Bhaderwah, Dec 19: Prolonged dry weather conditions are triggering frequent forest fires for last one month in Bhaderwah.

The fire and subsequent thick volume of smoke is leaving residents panicked as the prevailing situation has raised serious health concerns with Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching record 53.

Meanwhile, ADC Bhadarwah Sunil Kumar issued an advisory on Thursday asking residents not venture out without wearing mask. The Forest Departmen and Fire and Emergency Services Department have been put on high alert to take immediate measure to control the frequent forest fires.

Kamran Khan, a local resident, said that the nearby forests and vegetation were on fire for last one and a half month.

"Forest Department and Forest Protection Force is not doing enough to dose the forest fires which has ravaged thousands of pine trees at multiple sites in entire Bhadarwah Forest Division," he alleged.

"The forest fires that have occurred for more than one month at multiple locations at Neeru, Chirala, Bhalessa and Kellar ranges have not only affected the people badly but also has done irreparable loss to the several species of birds, reptiles and animals that are native of these thick pine forests," Khan added.

"I am finding it very difficult to breathe and the impact of the smoke has taken it's toll on the health of my grandmother who is an Asthama patient. This is high time that administration should take some immediate corrective measures to control the ravaging forest fires as I was surprised to see that AQI of Bhaderwah has reached to frightening 53. If the situation prevails, it will become even worse for all of us," said Manisha Komal , a student.