Shimla, Nov 27,
The forests of Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district are battling an early onslaught of fires, with incidents reported almost daily. The prolonged three-month drought has left the region’s forests and pastures dry and highly flammable, making them prone to devastating fires usually seen in summer but now appearing in early winter.
On Monday night, a massive fire broke out in the Bhuiyan Nurogi forest under the Parvati Forest Division, Shamshi. The fire raged through the night, reducing forest wealth worth lakhs of rupees to ashes. Several animals and birds perished in the blaze, leaving the local ecosystem in disarray.
Pine and rasin are more prone to fire a kullu forest fire official stated.
Despite claims of preparedness, the forest department’s response to these incidents has been inadequate. Locals allege that no one from the department came forward to control the flames in Nurogi. This highlights the lack of effective measures in place to tackle fires, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to the dry conditions.
Sandeep Sharma, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Kullu, acknowledged the situation and said the fires are often triggered by human activities, exacerbated by the drought. A report on the damage caused by the latest fire has been sought from the Parvati Forest Division.
The early onset of fires in winter raises concerns about preparedness and the increasing impact of climate change. Experts stress the need for preventive steps, including better equipment, quicker response systems, and public awareness to curb human-induced fires.
As Himachal Pradesh faces this growing crisis, the urgency for coordinated action is clear to protect its forests, wildlife, and people from further destruction.
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