Srinagar, 17 Jan: The Wildlife Department of Kashmir has imposed a ban on unauthorized entry into forests and Wildlife Protected Areas fearing the risk of forest fires due to continued dry weather conditions in the valley.
A notice issued by the wildlife warden central division Srinagar strongly advises against any unauthorized activities in these areas due to the heightened risk of forest fires.
The notice specifically mentions the prevailing dry conditions in the Valley, which have already led to several incidents of forest fires. The Wildlife Department expressed concerns over potential forest fires and emphasized the need for everyone to refrain from unauthorized entry into the forests, especially in Wildlife Protected Areas under its jurisdiction.
The ban encompasses key areas such as Brane, Nishat Conservation Reserve, Dachigam National Park, Dara Conservation Reserve, Khrew/Khanmoh Conservation Reserve, Wangath Conservation Reserve, and Thajwas Wildlife Sanctuary.
According to the notice, strict action will be taken against anyone found inside these forests and Wildlife Protected Areas without obtaining prior permission, following the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act.
An official from the Wildlife Department in Kashmir, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the decision was prompted by recent forest fires in some areas, including wildlife-protected zones.
The official highlighted the increased risk of fires due to the prolonged dry weather and assured that efforts are underway to control the existing forest fires promptly. In addition to firefighting measures, the administration has barred unauthorized entry to these sites to prevent further incidents.
