2 Dead, Alert In Uttarakhand As Raging Fires Destroy Forests

Dehradun: Forest fires in Uttarakhand, described as "garlands of fire" in the night sky, have destroyed thousands of acres of green in the hill state.

The wildfires threaten villages and nearly 3,500 square km of forests in the state. A man and his son were killed on Wednesday when they were trapped in a fire in the Pauri district.

A view from space circulated online shows a grey haze partly covering the white expanse of snow - depicting smoke rising from charred and shattered tree trunks.

For weeks, 3,000 firemen have been trying to control the flames. That number was doubled after an emergency meeting last night chaired by Governor KK Paul, who has been in charge since the state was placed under central rule in March.
 

It was decided in the meeting to arm firemen with enough equipment and even water tankers, despite large parts of the state  battling drought.

Nearly 600 forest fires have been reported this year since February and officials assess that these have destroyed over 2,800 acres of green cover.

Senior officials say every summer, they brace for forest fires but the area that is affected is growing each year. "Forest fires are directly related to weather, rain and rising temperature. Most of the fire incidents in Uttarakhand have thus far been man-made," said Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Rajendra Kumar.

The state administration has set up a 24-hour helpline so people can report forest fires or any crimes like poaching or hunting.

Mr Kumar said: "The common man can inform us of any crime related to forest and we will act promptly."