Uptick in forest fires in J&K amid prolonged dry spell
Srinagar, Jan 30: Amid a prolonged dry spell, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a surge in forest fires over the past few days, causing significant damage to the region’s green cover.
At least eight forest fire incidents have been reported in the past five days, with most occurring in the Pir Panjal region of Jammu.
On January 25, a fire broke out in the Bathen wildlife area of Khrew Pampore in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district damaging several trees.
On January 26, another fire erupted in the Behrooti forest, ahead of the border fence in Mendhar sector of Poonch, even detonating a few landmines before being brought under control.
The same day, massive forest fires were reported in Chennai Bagla village near Rajouri town.
On January 27, a massive fire broke out in the vegetation and grasslands of the historic Hariparbat hills in Srinagar, prompting swift action from the Fire and Emergency Services to contain the blaze.
On January 28, a large fire broke out in the Kandi range, Kehnusa block forest area of Rampora Rajpora forests in Kandi Sopore in Barmula district.
On January 29, a fire broke out near Kali village in Rajouri district. Another major overnight fire erupted in the Bijhama forest area of Uri in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district, damaging a large grassland area.
Later in the evening on the same day, another fire broke out near Liver village in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, rapidly spreading across Compartment 56 of the Lidder Forest Division in Bijbehara’s Mattan Forest Range before being contained by firefighters.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Forest Survey of India (FSI) had already issued a warning of very high forest fire risks from January 23, predicting increased danger for the following seven days.
The Forest Department, Wildlife Department, Fire and Emergency Services, and Disaster Management Authority are all on high alert to tackle any further incidents.
Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Kashmir, Irfan Rasool Wani, confirmed the recent spike in forest fire incidents due to the prolonged dry spell.
However, he said, “There is still enough moisture cover in Kashmir’s forests, reducing the likelihood of major fires.”
“The fires that have occurred so far have luckily not been too severe,” he said.
However, he warned that if the dry spell continues into March, the likelihood of more fire incidents will increase.
Several forest fire incidents were also reported in December, particularly in the Chenab region.
These incidents subsided following the region’s first snowfall in the last week of December.
Officials have urged the public to report any signs of fire at the earliest stage by contacting Fire and Emergency Services.
While some forest fires occur naturally, human activities such as lighting fires in forested areas significantly contribute 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,
Roohi said that legal action would be taken against those found responsible for starting fires.
“Forests are our natural resources, and it is our collective responsibility to safeguard them from any form of damage,” she said.
The Forest Department has been continuously issuing advisories, urging people to remain vigilant and cooperate in protecting the region’s “green gold.”
Experts have also linked the increase in forest fires to climate change, warning that rising temperatures and extended dry spells could further complicate the situation.
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.
The forests in the Kashmir region are predominantly dry temperate, rich in species like Deodar, Kail, and Fir that thrive at different altitudes.