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NDMA warns of high forest fire risk in J&K amid prolonged dry spell

“Very High Forest Fire Risk is likely to occur over forest areas in J&K in the next seven days. In case of emergency, dial 112,” said NDMA
12:36 AM Jan 24, 2025 IST | Khalid Gul
ndma warns of high forest fire risk in j k amid prolonged dry spell
NDMA warns of high forest fire risk in J&K amid prolonged dry spell--- File Representational Photo
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Srinagar, Jan 23: Amid a prolonged dry spell, the   (NDMA) has issued a warning of a very high risk of forest fires in Jammu and Kashmir over the next seven days, particularly in the Jammu region.

“Very High Forest Fire Risk is likely to occur over forest areas in J&K in the next seven days. In case of emergency, dial 112,” said NDMA.

The warning is valid until 11 am on January 30.

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Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Kashmir, Irfan Rasool Wani, said the alert has been sounded due to the dry conditions and low moisture levels, particularly in the Chenab valley belt.

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“The forests in Kashmir currently have sufficient moisture. If the dry spell continues into March, the likelihood of fire incidents typically increases,” he said.

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The alert in Chenab and Pirpanchal region came following the satellite monitoring by Forest Survey of India (FS).

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Jammu and Kashmir has a forest cover of 21,387 square kilometers and a tree cover of 2,867 square kilometers, which accounts for about 10% of its geographical area.

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The forests in the Kashmir region are predominantly dry temperate, rich in species like Deodar, Kail, and Fir that thrive at different altitudes.

These evergreen forests, with their dense ground cover, are usually less prone to fires. However, prolonged dry conditions significantly increase the risk.

Officials reported an 81% rainfall deficit in the region from January 1 to 22, with only 11.4 mm of rainfall compared to the normal 60.5 mm for the period.

This alarming deficit draws attention to the forests' increased vulnerability during the ongoing dry spell.

Last December, several forest fires were reported in the Chenab Valley, leading to significant damage to forested areas.

December 17: A massive forest fire broke out in Doda district.

December 23: Another fire occurred approximately 500 meters uphill from Dessa Road in Doda.

December 26: A forest fire broke out in Bhalessa village.

“We received over 100 calls reporting forest fires in December in the Chenab region alone,” an official of Forest and Emergency said.

The fires incidents ,however, stopped once the region witnessed first snowfall in the last week of December.

An official urged people to immediately report or address any small spark in its initial stages by contacting Fire and Emergency services.

While some forest fires occur naturally, human activities such as lighting fires in forested areas also contribute significantly to the damage.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Lidder Division, Shama Roohi,  urged people to refrain from such activities. “The collection of coal and wood, especially if done illegally, is strictly prohibited. Given the dry conditions, it is crucial to avoid entering forests and igniting any form of fire,” she said.

She said that legal action would be taken against anyone found starting fires.

Roohi said, “Forests are our natural resources, and it is our collective responsibility to safeguard them from any form of damage.”

The forest department has also been continuously issuing  advisories, asking  the  people to remain vigilant and cooperate in protecting the region’s “green gold.”