Kashmir’s green gold in flames

Srinagar, Apr 2: Kashmir is once again witnessing a surge in forest fires, with human activities and unregulated camping playing a greater role than environmental factors this time.

In the past week alone, several major fire incidents have been reported, primarily in south Kashmir.

A massive fire engulfed the Lidder Forest Division on Tuesday evening.

Despite relentless efforts by the Forest Department and local volunteers, the flames have already consumed a significant portion of the forest.

Fires were reported simultaneously in the Dachnipora belt of Pahalgam and the Khuwripora belt of Aishmuqam in compartments 17, 21, 22, 50, and 58.

Large forested areas in Budroo, Sallar, Kullar, Dehvatoo, Mawoora, Grendwan, Reshkobal, Hapatnad, Wajoora, and Pendobal have been affected.

The fires not only destroyed precious forest cover but also put wildlife at severe risk.

“The blaze is catastrophic, and the occurrence of multiple incidents at the same time was probably because many people had camped in the forests on Eid days,” Division Forest Officer (DFO) Lidder, Shama Roohi told Greater Kashmir.

She said that people probably engaged in cooking, leaving behind flammable materials.

“Given the prevailing dry conditions, these became potential fire hazards,” Roohi said.

She said a joint team comprising the Forest Department, Forest Protection Force (FPF), Wildlife Department, Social Forestry, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local volunteers were on the job and had been able to contain the fire to a large extent.

“A case will be registered into the incidents,” the DFO said.

Chief Conservator of Forests, Irfan Rasool, acknowledged the severity of the situation and warned of stringent action against those responsible.

“Most of our forests are open and not fenced, making it nearly impossible to restrict human movement.  Often the miscreants set fire to dry grass, leaves, bushes, and debris or discard lit cigarettes carelessly. This proves disastrous,” Rasool said.

He said that advisories had already been issued, urging people to limit visits to forests and avoid carrying combustible substances.

The advisory issued by the department includes precautions like exercising extreme caution while moving with livestock in forest areas and avoiding discarding cigarette butts or domestic ash.

“Any violations will be dealt with under the provisions of the Indian Forest Act, 1927,” he said.

Rasool also cautioned against illegal coal and wood collection, which can inadvertently ignite fires.

“Given the dry conditions, it is crucial to avoid entering forests and lighting any fires. Forests are our natural wealth, and protecting them is a collective responsibility,” he said.

An official stressed regulating camping in the forest zones.

“The camping should be regulated and no one should be allowed to venture deep into the woods without proper permission,” he said.

Meanwhile, a forest fire raging in the Andoo-Shangus area of Anantnag was brought under control after strenuous efforts.

Similarly, the fire that engulfed the Zabarwan forest area in Srinagar was also been subdued.

However, fires continue to devastate wildlife and forests in Tral, causing substantial ecological damage.

Another massive blaze raged in compartments 63 and 64 in the Kokernag forest range late Wednesday evening.

“The wild animals are in grave danger due to this massive blaze,” an official said.

Several forest fires were reported across Jammu and Kashmir in December last year and February this year due to prolonged dry spells.

Over the years, the region has witnessed a decline in forest cover, primarily due to deforestation and conversion of land.

According to the India State of Forest Report, 2023, by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), Kashmir lost 40.61 sq km of forest cover between 2021 and 2023, reducing from 21,387 sq km to 21,346 sq km.

J&K had a total forest cover of 21,387 sq km and a tree cover of 2867 sq km, constituting about 10 percent of its total geographical area.

The region’s forests, predominantly dry temperate, are home to valuable species like Deodar, Kail, and Fir, which thrive at different altitudes.