Suhail Dar
Amid the ongoing dry spell, massive forest fires have been reported across Kashmir, from the north to the south.
With experts warning of a possible drought due to reduced precipitation in January and February, the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department has issued an alert, urging people to be cautious about the forest fires.
Speaking exclusively to The Kashmiriyat, DFO Lidder, Shama Roohi, stated that the department has already issued a warning about potential fire alerts across Kashmir’s forests.
“The changing climate has impacted precipitation levels across the region, leading to drier conditions and increased vulnerability to fires,” Shama Roohi, DFO Lidder Pahalgam, explained.
She also mentioned that the department has alerted its staff in anticipation of fire outbreaks. “People should be vigilant and avoid actions that could trigger fires, such as discarding cigarette butts, burning dry grass, or leaving charcoal embers unattended,” she cautioned.
Appealing for more tree planting, Shama Roohi highlighted the department’s plan to plant 1.5 lakh trees this year. “We have started this initiative in schools and villages,” she added, noting the importance of development while minimizing its environmental impact.
Regarding the Gondola project to Baisaran Pahalgam, she revealed that a survey showed considerable green cover would be affected. “The new alignment of the ropeway will ensure that the impact on the green cover is minimal, or ideally none,” Shama Roohi told The Kashmiriyat.