Dry Weather Triggers Over 20 Forest Fires in South Kashmir
Srinagar: Prolonged dry conditions and minimal snowfall have led to a surge in forest fires across Kashmir, causing significant damage to green cover. In the past week alone, South Kashmir has reported over 20 fire incidents, with 18 successfully controlled while others continue to burn.
Officials revealed that massive fires have erupted in Tral, spreading to Pinglish and surrounding areas. Similar incidents have been reported in Dadoo Marhama (Anantnag), Dachnipora (Pahalgam), and Khuwripora (Aishmuqam), affecting multiple forest compartments. Large forested areas in Budroo, Sallar, Kullar, Dehvatoo, Mawoora, Grendwan, Reshkobal, Hapatnad, Wajoora, and Pendobal have also been impacted.
A major fire in Andoo-Shangus (Anantnag) was controlled after extensive efforts, while flames continue to rage in compartments 63 and 64 of Kokernag. Another blaze in Check Watoo Block (Kulgam) has been contained.
Mudasir Mehmood, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Anantnag, stated that the department is actively working to control the remaining fires, with 80% already brought under control.
Conservator of Forests (South Circle) Arshdeep Singh highlighted that Anantnag and Pulwama districts have been most affected due to dry vegetation and recent human activities. He emphasized that human negligence plays a significant role in igniting forest fires.
Singh explained that traditional methods remain the primary approach to tackling these fires. “Unlike house fires, forest fires spread over vast areas and are influenced by dryness, temperature, and wind. We create fire lines and fire breaks to manually control the flames. Additionally, satellite alerts from the Forest Survey of India help us detect and respond to fire outbreaks in real time,” he added.
Acknowledging the media’s role in raising awareness, Singh assured that those responsible for deliberately setting fires will face strict legal action. “The government considers this a serious issue, as forests are public assets,” he said.
Regarding the extent of damage, Singh noted that these are mostly ground fires, where surface litter burns while larger trees remain largely unaffected. However, smaller saplings suffer damage. The department plans to conduct surveys and implement replantation efforts to restore the affected green cover.