Srinagar: Forest fires have engulfed large tracts in Bandipore, Kupwara, Ganderbal and Anantnag districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, tweeted a short while ago that her government departments are on high alert.
Thousands of alpine trees have been burnt during last two days and efforts are on to control the fire, say forest department officials.
Local residents say, unusually high temperatures at this time of the year in the Valley and a dry spell of winter have led to the devastating forest fires.
The Indian Meteorological Department has warned of heat wave like conditions in Jammu and Kashmir, where the maximum temperatures are over 5 degrees Centigrade above the normal, this time of the year.
Earlier in January, panic gripped the villagers along the Line of Control, in Rajouri and Poonch, when forest fires triggered landmine blasts according to Army officials. Sources in the army said it was an attempt by Pakistani troops to neutralise mines. The fire had started in the forests of Pakistan occupied Kashmir, along the LoC and then it spread to the forests in the Indian side.
Incidents of forest fires have gone up drastically over the last few years on the hill slopes of Kashmir. The forest department officials say mostly human error and dry conditions are the causes.
In 2017, forest fires damaged vast areas in the Pir Panjal range. As many as 71 forest fires were reported in the summer of 2016, in both north and south Kashmir.
The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, tweeted a short while ago that her government departments are on high alert.
Thousands of alpine trees have been burnt during last two days and efforts are on to control the fire, say forest department officials.
The Indian Meteorological Department has warned of heat wave like conditions in Jammu and Kashmir, where the maximum temperatures are over 5 degrees Centigrade above the normal, this time of the year.
Advertisement
Incidents of forest fires have gone up drastically over the last few years on the hill slopes of Kashmir. The forest department officials say mostly human error and dry conditions are the causes.
In 2017, forest fires damaged vast areas in the Pir Panjal range. As many as 71 forest fires were reported in the summer of 2016, in both north and south Kashmir.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Massive Fire Breaks Out In J&K's Ramnagar Forest Division Mines Explode During Forest Fire Along Line of Control In J&K Mehbooba Mufti Writes To Poll Body Over "Illegal" Arrests Of Party Workers 2 French Rafale Jets Collide Mid-Air, Instructor, Pilot Missing Ayatollah Khamenei Warns Of "Divine Wrath" If Iran Backs Down Against Israel Mob Vandalised Kolkata Doctor Rape Murder Case Crime Scene? Cops Respond Huge Participation At Independence Day Celebrations By Army's Spear Corps Akasa Air Flight Makes Emergency Landing In Bhopal For Sick Passenger Musk Has A Favourite Interview Question That Experts Say Can Catch Liars Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.