Home / Environment / Kullu Forest Fire: Arson Suspected, Threatens Wildlife
Kullu Forest Fire: Arson Suspected, Threatens Wildlife
5 Nov
Summary
- Forest personnel battled a blaze near Jia and Talogi villages.
- Officials suspect deliberate ignition, raising wildlife and village concerns.
- Steep terrain and dehydration hampered firefighting efforts for personnel.
A fire in the Bijli Mahadev forests of Kullu district was brought under control on Wednesday by a joint operation of forest personnel from the Kullu and Parvati forest circles. The fire had broken out on Tuesday in the forest area behind Jia and Talogi villages, with flames and smoke visible across the hillside.
Forest department officials suspect the fire was deliberately lit, a common cause for such incidents in the area where small, uncontrolled fires can quickly escalate. DFO Sunny Verma noted that while the fire is contained, vigilance is crucial to prevent reignition. Personnel faced difficult conditions due to the steep terrain, including dehydration and water shortages.
Verma announced plans to review vulnerable forest areas and urged the public to refrain from starting fires, emphasizing the destruction of trees, wildlife, birds, and nests. Last year, Himachal Pradesh recorded 663 fire incidents affecting over 5,856 hectares, with significant financial losses. Plantation areas were particularly hard-hit, underscoring the vulnerability of the region's forests.
