Himachal sees whopping over 1,100% rise in forest fires

Himachal Pradesh has witnessed a whopping 1,130 per cent increase in forest fire incidents this year, with 1,203 reported cases compared to just 94 last summer. The lower count last year was attributed to frequent rains. Two years ago, 656 forest fire incidents were reported.

This year, notable hotspots include Dharamsala (326 incidents), Hamirpur (177), Bilaspur (121) and Chamba (64). Other affected areas include Kullu (8 in GHNP Kullu and 4 in Kullu), Mandi (163), Nahan (125), Rampur (16), Shimla (80) and Solan (114). In Shimla, fires have erupted in areas like Taradevi, Mashobra, Naldehra, Bharari, Tutikandi and Kamyana.

Rajiv Kumar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests of Himachal Pradesh, attributed most of the forest fires to human activities. “Often, people throw burning cigarettes or fail to extinguish fires lit for cooking or other purposes, leading to forest fires,” he explained.

Kumar emphasised that action is taken against offenders, with those caught being booked. To control forest fires, the Forest Department undertakes various measures, including pre and post-incident activities and immediate response actions when a fire breaks out.