Srinagar, Mar 03: A worrying wave of forest fires has swept across several parts of Kashmir over the past few days, with flames reported from Baba Darya Din in Ganderbal, Awoora in Pahalgam, the Zabarwan Range overlooking Srinagar, and the Khonmuh belt on the city’s outskirts. In some places, fires climbed to higher altitudes, sending plumes of smoke into the sky and raising serious environmental concerns.
According to officials, the blazes broke out amid an ongoing dry spell that has left forests unusually vulnerable. With little rainfall and scant snowfall this season, the ground vegetation has dried up, turning grass and dense bushes into easy fuel.
Chief Conservator of Forests Kashmir, Irfan Rasool Wani (IFS), said that in several locations, the fires spread to upper reaches, prompting swift action from multiple departments. Teams from the Forest Protection Force, Soil Conservation Department, and Wildlife Department rushed to the affected spots and managed to bring the flames under control.
“The dry conditions, along with rising temperatures, have made the forests highly susceptible to fires,” he said, adding that quick response and coordinated efforts helped prevent major damage.
Officials explained that while natural factors play a role, human activity is also responsible for many such incidents. In hilly areas, some people set old grass on fire to encourage fresh growth for cattle. Trekkers occasionally light campfires and fail to extinguish them properly. In some cases, sparks from high-voltage power lines can also ignite dry vegetation.
Wani noted that even in wildlife areas where dry grass may not be abundant, dense bushes can catch fire under extreme dry conditions. “It does not always take much. A small spark can quickly turn into a large blaze when the forest floor is dry,” he said.
The recent fires have once again highlighted the fragile balance of Kashmir’s forest ecosystem. These forests are not only home to diverse wildlife but also play a crucial role in maintaining the region’s climate, preventing soil erosion, and supporting local livelihoods.
Authorities said their teams remain on high alert round the clock. As soon as information about a fire is received, personnel rush to the site equipped with fire beaters and other necessary tools to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further.
The administration has appealed to the public to cooperate during this sensitive period by avoiding campfires in forest areas, refraining from burning grass, and acting responsibly to protect valuable forests and wildlife.
