The Jammu and Kashmir government says it doesn't have enough resources to deal with forest fires.
Over the last four days, large swathes of forest area in Jammu and Kashmir's Bagla-Nadiala and Chingus villages have been destroyed in raging fires. Chingus forests in Pirpanjal region witness frequent fires; this is the second fire incident here in the last two weeks.
Last week, fire engulfed forests near the Jammu-Poonch highway. 15 fire incidents have been reported in Rajouri district in last two months alone and people living near forests fear for their lives and livestock.
"There is lot of damage, entire area was on fire. We appeal to forest department to take some action. Forest officials have not reached here and there is danger to our homes and livestock," said Mohammad Rashid, a villager.
Mohammad Irshad, a forest department employee, says they are trying their best to control the fire. "We are busy dousing these fires... Many people are on the job. You can see we are trying to put off the fire," he said.
The government admits its helplessness. Jammu and Kashmir Forest Minister Lal Singh says forest fires can happen and the government doesn't have enough resources to deal with it.
"The department has no comprehensive policy. There is no money to deal with it. We give just Rs 25000 to DFOs for making fire-lanes. Tell me how will they control the fires. It's our people, forests guards, daily wage workers who douse fire with bare hands. It's their courage and commitment that they are doing it, said Mr Singh.
Last month, a massive fire engulfed the Trikuta Hills at Katra, where the Vaishno Devi shrine is located. Air Force helicopters were used to douse the fire and prevent it from spreading it to shrine area.
While high temperatures and low precipitation is turning forests into a tinderbox during summers, sources say most of the fire incidents have been sparked by smugglers and people living near the forests.