A significant forest fire broke out in the woods of Manzgam Noorabad in Kulgam district on Monday, adding to a growing list of blazes reported across South Kashmir.
Over the past seven days, forest fires have been reported in multiple areas across the region, with officials confirming that approximately 60 hectares of forest land have been destroyed.
Authorities have deployed ground teams to contain the fires and are urging residents to report any sightings of smoke or flames without delay.
According to officials, 20 separate fire incidents have occurred in the districts of Anantnag, Shopian, Kulgam, and Pulwama in the past week, impacting vast stretches of green cover.
Simultaneously, on Monday fires continued to rage across the Tral-Khrew range in Pulwama, with blazes reported from Buchoo, Mandoora, Batnoor, Shaldraman, Zradihar, Nagbal, and Aripal on the Tral side, and Khrew, Bathan, Zantrag, Satpokhran, Goswanar, and Wahasahab on the Khrew side.
While investigations are underway, the exact causes of the fires remain unknown.
Officials say it is too early to link the current wave of fires directly to changing weather patterns, though dry conditions and possible human negligence are being considered as contributing factors.
The forest department has called on the public to cooperate and avoid activities that could trigger fires.
Residents are urged to promptly inform authorities of any smoke or flames, as swift reporting can be critical in controlling the spread and limiting further damage.
Recent data indicates a significant increase in forest fire incidents in Jammu Kashmir. In the fiscal year 2024-25, the region recorded 1,243 forest fire incidents, more than doubling the 607 incidents reported in 2023-24.
Speaking to the Kashmiriyat , the officials said that they are actively responding and have almost controlled the fire.
- News Deskhttps://thekashmiriyat.co.uk/author/kashmiriyat/
- News Deskhttps://thekashmiriyat.co.uk/author/kashmiriyat/
- News Deskhttps://thekashmiriyat.co.uk/author/kashmiriyat/
- News Deskhttps://thekashmiriyat.co.uk/author/kashmiriyat/
