In two months, Himachal sees 500 forest fires
A forest fire near Nakthan village in Kullu’s Parvati valley continued for around two weeks before it died down a few days ago, destroying the undergrowth of the area, residents said.
Officials said that besides the Parvati Valley, a large number of fires have been reported from Rohru and Rampur in Shimla. With some types of trees shedding their leaves in the autumn season, the forest floors become full of small fuels such as dead leaves, twigs and the highly inflammable Chir pine needles. With dry conditions prevailing in Himachal Pradesh for the last two months, the state has witnessed a spurt in forest fires. According to forest officials, nearly 500 forest fires have been reported in the state since August, most of which occurred in the districts of Kullu and Shimla.
A forest fire near Nakthan village in Kullu’s Parvati valley continued for around two weeks before it died down a few days ago, destroying the undergrowth of the area, residents said.
“There were more forest fire incidents this time due to drought conditions. In October alone, 17 forest fires were reported in Kullu, causing a loss worth lakhs of rupees, and affecting birds and animals. The grass and undergrowth is dry these days, due to which even a small spark, such as someone dropping a burning matchstick or bidi/cigarette, can quickly develop into a massive fire,” said Durga Singh, a fire official in Kullu.
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