Jammu: Forest fires are raging uncontrollably across Jammu and Kashmir, causing extensive damage to property and wildlife in Udhampur, Kathua, Rajouri, Reasi, and Poonch districts.
According to reports, forest fires are being reported daily and spreading uncontrollably, posing a threat to a significant number of birds, including peacocks, and other wildlife. In some regions, the flames have reached residential areas.
On Sunday, a fire erupted in the forests of Gangera Hill in Udhampur district and in the Daya Dhar forests of the Ghordi block, with a large part of the forest reduced to ashes.
Other affected areas include the Ardhakunwari area on the traditional route of the Maa Vaishno Devi, Lambi Keri, Salal Dam in Dhyangarh, Reasi, and Kathua’s Ramkot, Bilwar, and Basohli areas.
In Rajouri, affected areas include Dungi, Grati, Bhangai, Tatapani, Kalakot, and Dhanaur forests, with the blaze engulfing the Government High School in the Jhalas area of the Dungi block, damaging the school shed and mid-day meal ration center.
In Poonch, fires have been burning for several days along the Line of Control in the Salotri area. The fire has spread to the mining area, causing landmine explosions intermittently. The blaze originated from across the LOC and has since spread to this side.
The Forest Department has been using loudspeakers to warn villagers not to set fires in the forests, threatening strict action against violators.
(KNO)