Prolonged Dry Spell Triggers Bushfires Across Kashmir

Govt Says Forest Personnel Activated; Absence Of WDs Attributed To Forest Fire

SRINAGAR: Amid the persistent dry spell in Kashmir, fire incidents have been reported at multiple forest areas across the Valley so far while the government has claimed to have initiated action and activated the forest personnel in this regard.

According to reports, a bushfire broke out at multiple places across Kashmir in the last few days.

The bushfire has broke out in Karanu area of Karnah, Devpora in South Kashmir’s Shopian, Wurandore in Manzgam area of Kulgam, Kangan in Ganderbal, Salamabad in Uri, Sumlar in north Kashmir’s Bandipora, Nagawadi in Tral, Rampora Rajpora in Sopore, Kuntwara Range in Doda among other places.

The fire incidents in these places have been reported in the past three days.

Director Meteorological department, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad Khan said that the bushfire is the outcome of the persistent dry spell in Kashmir. “Such incidents have been witnessed in the past as well,” he said.

According to an Independent Weather Forecaster, Faizan Arif

Keng, the current surge in forest fires can be attributed to the absence of active Western Disturbances.

“The continuous dry spell spanning over a month has significantly reduced moisture levels in the vegetation and other areas, rendering the forests highly susceptible to ignition,” he said.

The crucial role of Western Disturbances in bringing moisture to the region has been absent, exacerbating the dry conditions, he said.

Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, said that the reports of fire have been received from three places and the further necessary action was initiated in this regard.

“The persistent dry spell has led to the forest fire. We have already activated the forest personnel to deal with such incidents. We have received the reports from three places and immediate steps were taken,” he said.

Pertinently, December 2023 unfolded as the most arid month of the year for the union territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, recording a deficit of 79% and 100%, respectively.