• Authorities battle to control blaze
• Efforts underway to control massive forest fires, special team deployed
• Intense fires spread in Udhampur, Poonch, Rajouri, and Samba Districts
• Environmental experts call for proactive measures and public awareness
Srinagar,May 31: Amid an intense heatwave and prolonged dry spell, multiple forest fires are raging across Udhampur, Poonch, Rajouri, and Samba districts, with authorities struggling to contain the flames.
In Udhampur, the NehraNallaRakh area in Krimchi has been burning for the past two days. Similarly, the Nudh block in Samba is battling severe fires. Significant efforts are being made to extinguish the flames.
ShwetaDeonia, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Nowshera Sub-Division in Rajouri District told Rising Kashmir that most fires are man made, with natural causes being exceedingly rare.
“We have 11 blocks in the Nowshera division, and we deploy five fire watchers in each block. When a fire incident occurs, all fire watchers in that area are engaged. Fortunately, these are ground fires, which are more manageable compared to crown fires,” she said.
DFO further said that human activities, such as discarding cigarette butts in dry forest areas, are a significant cause of these fires.
“Currently, the area is filled with Chir Pine, which dries up in the summer. Cigarette butts can easily ignite these dry conditions. I urge people to avoid smoking and other fire-related activities in forest areas,” she added.
DFO ShwetaDeonia highlighted a shortage of manpower, exacerbated by annual retirements, which makes managing these fires challenging. Despite this, 24 teams are actively working to control the fires.
Meanwhile in the Nowshera subdivision, fires are also burning in the Chingus and Sunderbani ranges as temperatures rise, leading to heatwaves.
The dense smoke has severely polluted the air, reducing visibility and posing health risks to residents and travelers.
She added that the department has established fire control rooms at various locations in the area to ensure accessibility.
“Our staff reached the site timely. We have made fire control rooms at different locations to ensure accessibility. We are alert and taking action actively for the safety of the forest area,” DFO said.
Later Sandeep Kumar, Conservator of Forests for the West Circle in Rajouri, visited forest compartment 132/N of the Nowshera Forest Division to monitor the situation.
He issued various directives to firefighting teams and urged local stakeholders to report any fire incidents and assist the forest department. Kumar emphasized the need to protect forests for future generations, especially during dry spells and heatwaves that increase fire risk.
“So far, eight incidents of forest fires have been reported in the area. This year, the number of forest fire incidents reported is higher than those reported in the same period last year.”
Meanwhile several mines exploded due to a forest fire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district, and fires also erupted in the forest areas of Samba and Jammu districts, causing significant damage.
In Samba, the fire began in the Purmandal area and quickly spread to nearby villages, threatening several residential houses. As per locals they informed administration, prompting the dispatch of fire tenders to the area. The blaze was eventually extinguished after several hours of effort, the officials added.
Local residents alleged that some criminals are intentionally setting fires to destroy forest land for their vested interests. They urged the administration to take stern action against those responsible for starting the fires.
According to the officials, several mines exploded due to the forest fire along the LoC in the forward area of Mankote in the Mendhar sub-sector of Poonch district. The blaze started across the LoC and spread to this side.
In a similar incident in Jammu, a fire broke out in the ChokiChora area and spread to the adjoining areas of Chora, Khardoon, Padoon, Bamla, Keri, and Kandi, affecting several hectares of forest land.
Forest department officials and local residents launched an operation to extinguish the flames, successfully bringing the fire under control after several hours.There was no loss of life or injuries reported in both incidents, officials said.
Firefighting teams, including aerial resources, are working to control the fires, but the rugged terrain makes their efforts challenging.
In Kashmir, forest fires are also raging in Kulgam’sGudder area, with the forest department actively working to control the blaze.
Meanwhile due to rise in temperatures rise across Jammu, authorities are on high alert for forest fires. The Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) has issued a warning of extreme fire risk for next week. Residents are urged to report fires immediately by dialing 112.
A JKMA spokesman said that the ongoing heat wave, with rising temperatures, low humidity, and dry conditions, has significantly increased the wildfire risk. There is a need for the importance of vigilance and early reporting to prevent fires from spreading and causing extensive damage to the environment, wildlife, and property, he said.
“Authorities are coordinating with the Forest Department and emergency services to ensure a prompt response to any incidents. Public cooperation is essential; people should report any signs of fire or smoke immediately,” the spokesman said.
Jammu is facing a severe environmental crisis with forest fires threatening the region’s greenery. Dry weather and high temperatures have already destroyed acres of forest land, impacting biodiversity and air quality.
Dr.Avinash Kumar, faculty member at University of Jammu told Rising Kashmir that to avoid forest fires, it is crucial to implement and follow preventive measures rigorously. One of the most effective ways is to regulate human activities that pose fire risks, he said.
“Campers and hikers should be educated about the importance of fully extinguishing campfires, avoiding smoking in forest areas, and safely disposing of any flammable materials,” he said.
Kumar said that authorities can enforce strict regulations on open fires and monitor high-risk areas more frequently, especially during dry seasons. Additionally, installing and maintaining firebreaks—gaps in vegetation that help prevent the spread of fires—can significantly reduce the likelihood of fires spreading uncontrollably.
Another environmental expert, Dr Mustafa Khan said that is vital strategy is the proactive management of forest health and fuels. This includes regular removal of dead trees, dry leaves, and other combustible materials through controlled burns or mechanical thinning.
“Forest management agencies should conduct these activities systematically to maintain a healthy forest ecosystem while minimizing fire risks. Public awareness campaigns can also play a significant role in preventing forest fires by educating the community about fire safety practices and encouraging active participation in reporting potential fire hazards,” he said.
On Thursday Jammu’s temperature today broke the last 10 years’ record, whereas, Kathua town remained the `hottest place’ in Jammu and Kashmir with maximum temperature of 47.4 degrees Celsius.
