• Source:JND
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Uttarakhand forest fires have caused havoc as over 657 hectares of forest area have been engulfed in flames within just 26 days. The situation was under control until March 31 but challenges and concerns emerged with the onset of April as a sharp surge in mercury level was observed. This means an average of 25 hectares of greenery is turning to ashes daily. The situation has become so complex that the army was roped in to take over the dousing operation.   

The incidents of forest fires are consistently rising in Uttarakhand. This is why, upon the demand of the Forest Department, the administration has arranged for PRD personnel. Additionally, from Friday evening, the Air Force has also taken charge. Efforts are being made to extinguish the fires in the burning forests around Nainital and its surroundings using helicopters.

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However, if we look at the official figures of the Forest Department, a trend of increasing incidents of fire has been observed since April 1. While from November to March only 32 hectares of forest were burnt, there were two days in April when the damage exceeded even 75 hectares.

Major Forest Fire Incidents In Uttarakhand:

- Total incidents between November 1, 2023 and April 26, 2024- 575

- In Garhwal, 234.45 hectares of forest area were burned in 211 incidents

- In Kumaon, 395.92 hectares of forest area were burnt in 313 incidents

- In wildlife areas, 59.52 hectares of damage occurred in 51 incidents

Major Reasons For Fire Incidents:

- With the surge in temperature in April, forest fire incidents also increased

- Unruly elements also set fire to forests, sometimes even accidentally

- Forests usually dry up due to less rain and snowfall, making them prone to fire

- In mountainous regions, sparks are spreading from one forest to another due to the      wind

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Major Divisions Hit By Fire Incidents:

Fires have occurred in several divisions of the Garhwal region, apart from the Bagheshwar Division, Champawat Division, Terai East, Ramnagar section, Almora Division, Pithoragarh Division, Haldwani Forest Division, and Nainital Division. Fires have also affected wildlife reserves such as the Kedarnath Wildlife Division, Corbett Tiger Reserve, Rajaji Tiger Reserve, and Nanda Devi National Park.