Kashmir's forests ravaged by fires as human activity fuels surge

A wave of forest fires has swept across Kashmir, with human activities and unregulated camping playing a more significant role than environmental factors this time.

In the past week, multiple major fire incidents have been reported, particularly in South Kashmir. A devastating blaze erupted in the Lidder Forest Division on Tuesday evening, rapidly consuming large sections of the forest despite concerted efforts by the Forest Department and local volunteers, reports Greater Kashmir.

Fires were simultaneously reported in several forest compartments, including Dachnipora in Pahalgam and Khuwripora in Aishmuqam, affecting compartments 17, 21, 22, 50, and 58. The flames also engulfed extensive forested areas in Budroo, Sallar, Kullar, Dehvatoo, Mawoora, Grendwan, Reshkobal, Hapatnad, Wajoora, and Pendobal.

Division Forest Officer (DFO) Lidder, Shama Roohi, described the fires as catastrophic and linked them to human negligence. She suggested that people camping in the forests during Eid celebrations might have inadvertently triggered the fires by cooking and leaving behind flammable materials.

"With the current dry conditions, even a small spark can escalate into a major blaze," Roohi said. She noted that a coordinated team comprising the Forest Department, Forest Protection Force (FPF), Wildlife Department, Social Forestry, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local volunteers had been working tirelessly to contain the fires.

"A case will be registered regarding these incidents," she confirmed.

Chief Conservator of Forests, Irfan Rasool, acknowledged the gravity of the situation and warned that strict action would be taken against those found responsible. He pointed out that unrestricted human movement within unfenced forest areas had made the forests highly vulnerable to fires.

"Often, fires are sparked by miscreants who set dry grass, leaves, or bushes alight or carelessly discard lit cigarettes, causing devastating consequences," Rasool explained.

The Forest Department has already issued advisories urging people to minimise visits to forests and avoid carrying combustible substances. The advisory also recommends exercising extreme caution while moving livestock in forested areas and strictly refraining from discarding cigarette butts or domestic ash.

"Violations will be dealt with under the provisions of the Indian Forest Act, 1927," Rasool stated.

He further emphasised the dangers of illegal coal and wood collection, which could inadvertently ignite fires, given the region's dry conditions. "Forests are our natural wealth, and their protection is a collective responsibility," he added.

Kashmir has experienced repeated forest fires over recent months, with several blazes recorded in December last year and February this year, largely attributed to prolonged dry spells.

The region has also witnessed a steady decline in forest cover over the years, exacerbated by deforestation and land conversion. According to the India State of Forest Report 2023, published by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), Kashmir lost 40.61 sq km of forest cover between 2021 and 2023, reducing from 21,387 sq km to 21,346 sq km.

Jammu and Kashmir's forests, spanning approximately 21,387 sq km with an additional tree cover of 2,867 sq km, make up around 10 percent of the region's total geographical area. These forests, predominantly dry temperate, are home to valuable tree species such as Deodar, Kail, and Fir, which flourish at varying altitudes.