Bilal Habib
TRAL, Feb 17: A massive forest fire that had been raging for the past few days in Sub division Tral has been successfully brought under control through the joint efforts of the Forest Department, Wildlife Department, SDRF, local residents, and CRPF.
Locals told Kashmir Convener that the fire incidents occurred in Pinglish, Rathsuna, Huyana, and Batnoor areas of Sub division Tral, causing significant damage to the green cover.
Officials informed that a massive firefighting operation was launched as soon as they received information about the incidents.
Experts believe that prolonged dry weather conditions are a major factor contributing to the increasing forest fires in Kashmir. The lack of rainfall and rising temperatures have made forests more vulnerable to fires, posing a serious threat to the region’s biodiversity.
Officials have urged locals to remain vigilant and report any signs of fire or suspicious activities that could endanger the forests. Officials stated that the entire firefighting operation was carried out without the use of water.
“The fire was controlled using bare hands and sticks,” they said. They also confirmed that green trees were saved from any damage. “No harm was caused to the green trees; only grass, bushes, and decomposed wood were destroyed by the fire,” an official added.
The Division Forest Officer of Awantipora informed Kashmir Convener that the forest fire incident occurred in the Pinglish Shikaragah area and Panzoo. Since yesterday evening, their team has been actively working to control the fire. Additionally, the Wildlife Department team and he along with his team have been present in the Pinglish area since early morning.
He further mentioned that the Forest Protection Force, SDRF team, local residents, and CRPF have joined efforts to control the fire. So far, they have successfully brought the situation under control in all affected areas.
Wildlife Warden Suhail Ahmad said that climate change is occurring, and the level of dryness is extremely high. The Tral belt, compared to other districts, receives less rainfall and snowfall.
This year, the region has remained completely dry, causing trees to dry up. Due to this overall dryness, forest fires have erupted in multiple spots. Despite efforts to control the fires, new incidents continue to emerge.
Range Officer forest Range Tral, Arooq Ahmad, said that a massive forest fire incident occurred yesterday evening. Since then, the team has been on the ground throughout the night, managing to control 50% of the fire by morning. With the support of the protection force, locals, youth, and volunteers, they have now brought 95% of the fire under control. He expressed hope that within a couple of hours, everything will be completely under control.
Currently, the team is in the Pinglish village of Tral, working alongside the SDRF team and the administration. He extended gratitude to the SDRF team, the administration, and the police, who have been in constant contact. Additionally, CRPF personnel in Pinglish and other locations provided assistance wherever information was received, helping in fire control efforts.
