Bhat Yasir
A forest fire erupted today (Tuesday) in the Bijhama area of north Kashmir, with the Forest Department quickly deploying field staff to control the blaze, an official told The Kashmiriyat.
This comes just days after the National Disaster Management Authority issued a high-risk forest fire alert for Jammu Kashmir.
Kashmir’s lush green forests, once a symbol of tranquility and natural beauty, are now facing an alarming crisis.
Forest fires have surged dramatically in recent years, devastating vast stretches of land and posing a serious threat to both the environment and local communities.
Between November 2023 and June 2024, Jammu and Kashmir saw a staggering 327 fire incidents, an 18-fold increase compared to the previous year.
The sharp rise highlights the growing challenge posed by these fires, driven by a combination of climate change, dry conditions, and human activity.
These fires are not only ravaging the rich biodiversity of the region but also threatening the livelihoods of those who rely on these forests for timber, medicinal plants, and grazing lands.
The smoke and haze from these fires deteriorate air quality, making it difficult for locals to breathe and leading to health issues, particularly respiratory problems.
The loss of forests also exacerbates soil erosion, disrupts water cycles, and reduces the region’s ability to combat future environmental disasters.
Pertinently, Fire broke out in forest area near Behrooti forward LoC in Balakote Sector of Mendhar area of Poonch district on Sunday.