What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: A fire broke out in the forest of Bada Bhuin Panchayat on November 26 and created a daunting scene with large flames visible from a distance. According to Sandeep Sharma, Conservator of the Kullu Circle Forest Department, approximately 50 hectares of land with dry grass have been burned over the past two weeks, leading to a financial loss of around ₹5 lakh. Recent forest fires in Himachal Pradesh have caused significant damage, particularly in Kullu.
This fire is part of a series of incidents that have hit the state recently. Last week, two separate fire incidents caused extensive property damage. On November 23, a devastating fire in Tiun village, Kullu district, gutted four houses, resulting in a loss of around ₹80 lakh. Another fire on the same night destroyed about 10 quarters inside a National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) colony at Surangani in Chamba district. This blaze, triggered by a short circuit, quickly spread, causing large-scale property damage.
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The persistent dry conditions and the accumulation of dry grass in the forests have made the region susceptible to such fires. The situation is compounded by the lack of rainfall, which typically helps in reducing the risk of forest fires. Sandeep Sharma emphasized the urgency of addressing these fires, noting that the assessment of the previous forest fire is still ongoing. “Around 50 hectares have been damaged in the last two weeks, including some plantations. The financial loss is around five lakh. The actual loss can only be determined after a thorough assessment,” Sharma stated.
Efforts to control these fires are underway, with firefighting teams working tirelessly to mitigate the damage. However, the recurring nature of these incidents highlights the need for a more robust approach to forest fire management, including better preparedness and community awareness initiatives.
The recent forest fires in Himachal Pradesh underscore the challenges posed by environmental factors and the necessity for vigilant fire management practices to protect both property and natural resources.
