News Mania desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/28th April 2024
A forest fire raging in Uttarakhand has reached alarming proportions, with flames encroaching upon Nainital’s prestigious High Court Colony. The unfolding crisis has prompted the Nainital administration to launch a concerted effort to contain the blaze, enlisting the support of both forest department employees and army personnel. Helicopters are poised to join the firefighting operation if the situation worsens.
Originating near Nainital’s district headquarters, the fire poses an imminent threat to the residential enclave of High Court Colony nestled in the Pines area. In addition to endangering homes, the inferno has disrupted normal traffic flow, raising concerns about its potential spread. Authorities fear that the fire may extend to sensitive military installations nearby, compounding the challenges faced by firefighting crews. Consequently, a ban on boating activities in Naini Lake has been imposed as a precautionary measure.
Responding to the crisis, the Nainital administration has assembled a team of 42 personnel, including 40 from the Manora Range and two forest rangers, to combat the blaze. Their primary objectives are to extinguish the fire and mitigate its impact on the affected areas. Meanwhile, Uttarakhand’s forest department has reported a concerning surge in forest fire incidents, with 26 cases documented in the Kumaon region and five in the Garhwal region within a 24-hour period. These fires have ravaged approximately 33.34 hectares of forested land.
Since November 1 of the previous year, Uttarakhand has grappled with a staggering 575 incidents of forest fires, resulting in the devastation of 689.89 hectares of woodland and significant economic losses exceeding ₹14 lakh. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has issued directives for heightened vigilance and proactive measures to prevent further outbreaks. The state government is implementing stringent measures to safeguard lives and property as efforts continue to bring the inferno under control.
Forest fires are a recurring challenge in Uttarakhand during the summer season, exacerbated by dry conditions and high temperatures. The state’s rugged terrain and dense forests make it particularly susceptible to wildfires, necessitating constant vigilance and prompt action from authorities to minimize the impact on communities and the environment. As the entire region remains on edge, hopes are pinned on a swift resolution to the crisis.
