45 forest fire incidents reported in Rajouri over 12 weeks; meeting held to curb blaze
Rajouri, June 3
At least 45 forest fire incidents have been recorded in Rajouri district over the past 12 weeks, Conservator of Forests, Rajouri, Sat Pal, said on Wednesday.
Fresh visuals from the Sialsui Khadar forest area in Kalakote tehsil of the Rajouri Forest Division showed large sections of the forest engulfed in flames. The incidents come amid a series of forest fires reported from several locations across Jammu and Kashmir due to prevailing hot and dry weather conditions.
Speaking to ANI, Sat Pal said that a total of around 45 fire incidents had been recorded across the Rajouri and Nowshera forest divisions. He expressed hope that recent rainfall and the resulting drop in temperatures would help reduce the frequency of such incidents in the coming days.
"During the current forest fire season, we have witnessed a significant number of fire incidents, specifically over the last 12 weeks. In Rajouri district, the total number of incidents recorded stands at approximately 45. This figure encompasses both the Rajouri and Nowshera divisions. After some rainfall yesterday, temperatures have dropped slightly. We are therefore hopeful that the frequency of forest fire incidents will decrease in the coming days," Sat Pal said.
He further said that a general meeting had been convened to discuss rapid resource mobilisation and improved communication mechanisms to minimise the initial spread of forest fires.
"A general meeting was held to discuss rapid resource mobilisation and improved communication to minimise the initial spread of fires. Although these are surface fires and not crown fires, they still cause significant damage to biomass, birds, animals, reptiles and other wildlife," he said.
Appealing to the public to cooperate in preventing forest fires, Sat Pal urged residents to avoid negligence and take necessary precautions.
"I appeal to the public to cooperate immediately in areas affected by forest fires, avoid negligence and take precautions to prevent such incidents. It is important that we protect our collective green assets," he said.
Earlier, several forest fire incidents were reported across the Rajouri Forest Division amid an ongoing heatwave. Teams from the Forest Department, Forest Protection Force, Social Forestry Department and local volunteers were deployed in extensive firefighting operations to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to dense forest areas.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a foreigner living in India, I've seen how devastating forest fires can be for local ecosystems. The fact that they're surface fires doesn't mean they're any less harmful to wildlife. The authorities' appeal for public cooperation is good, but I wonder if more community awareness programs and better equipment could help prevent these fires in the first place.
Heartbreaking to see our forests burning like this. The biodiversity loss is immeasurable - birds, reptiles, and animals all suffer. While I appreciate the forest department's efforts, I feel the response could be more proactive. Why wait for 45 incidents before holding a meeting? Need better early warning systems and more frequent patrolling during summer months. 🔥🌲
This is a serious wake-up call for our state. Climate change is making dry spells worse, and forest fires are becoming more frequent. The authorities are saying the right things, but I wish they'd invest more in firefighting infrastructure - better equipment, trained volunteers, and more watchtowers. Public cooperation is important, but government must lead from the front. #JammuAndKashmir
This is so sad to read. I visited Rajouri last year and the forests were absolutely beautiful. The fact that these fires are damaging not just trees but also wildlife and local livelihoods is devastating. I hope the recent rains help, and that the community heeds the call to be more careful. Every small action counts - even not throwing cigarette butts in dry areas.
Respectful criticism here - while the forest department is doing good work, 45 incidents over 12 weeks shows our prevention strategies
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