Ganderbal, Dec 06: Kashmir Valley continues to reel under prolonged dry weather, leading to an increased risk of forest fires. A fire incident was reported two days ago in the upper reaches of Gund area, near compartment 65 in the Sindh Forest Range, Kangan.
The Forest Protection Force (FPF) and the Forest Department swiftly responded to the situation, successfully extinguishing the fire despite challenging terrain and weather conditions. Officials credited the timely intervention with preventing significant damage to the forest ecosystem.
However, concerns have been raised regarding the need for advanced firefighting equipment. Sources within the Forest Department emphasized the necessity of modern technology, such as aerial sprays commonly used in foreign countries, to tackle fires in difficult-to-reach mountainous regions. Sources also revealed that the Sindh Forest Range in Kangan is facing an acute shortage of staff.
“While we are equipped with tools to combat forest fires, the lack of advanced technology delays our response in critical situations,” said a department official. “If the government provides modern equipment, such as aerial spray systems, we can act more swiftly and effectively.”
The Forest Department assured that available resources are being mobilized immediately after fire incidents to mitigate damage. However, the demand for modern equipment highlights the urgent need to strengthen forest fire management, especially as climate conditions become more erratic.
Range Officer of the Sindh Forest Range, Mohammad Ashraf, stated that the employees have been working tirelessly, round the clock, with limited resources to extinguish fires in the area.
He highlighted that fires often occur in shooting stone areas, posing significant risks to the employees attempting to reach these locations.
Despite these challenges, Ashraf affirmed their commitment to protecting the forests from fires. He emphasized that the provision of modern equipment would greatly ease the burden on staff, enabling them to manage and douse fires more effectively across the range.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of adequate resources for creating fire lines to prevent the spread of forest fires.
