95 % forest fires are ‘man made' in Jammu Kashmir

NL Correspondent

SRINAGAR: While 230 forest fire incidents were reported in Kashmir in the year 2016, 95 percent of such incidents happened due to “negligence” of the government and the people alike, an official report says.

Official data reveals that atleast 230 fire incidents happened in the valley in 2016. The highest number of fires, 63, has been recorded from Lidder forest range in south Kashmir, followed by fires at Kamraz, 30, in north Kashmir and in the Langate area, 27, of the Kupwara district.

An official report of the forest department, reveals the natural causes of forest fires are reported to be less than 5% of the total number of fires caused in a year while 95 percent are man made that could be prevented by preventive measures by the government and the people alike.

The forests in Kashmir region mostly fall in dry temperate class. These forests are predominantly having conifers comprising of Deodar, Kail and Fir. These forests are not normally vulnerable to forest fires as they are predominately having evergreen species and lush green ground cover.

The report has suggested the government to take some measures to prevent the man made forest fires in the state.

“There needs a connectivity by  providing wireless sets / cell phones, mobility facilities (some pickup Vans) and proper gear for the staff to save themselves from any injury while extinguishing fires, first aid kits for emergencies and tools for carrying out the fire control operations,” the report reads.

The report, says that for quick detection there should be provision of engaging local fire watchers during the fire season for ground patrolling.

“For quick action sufficient labour force and staff is required to be deployed. Arrangement of tools, food, water and lighting should be there as the process of fire extinguishing sometimes may take days together. The arrangement of transportation of men and material should be available,” it adds.

However, an official of the forest department, said no such measures are being taken by the government.

“The most common cause of forest fire is man-made which can be either because of carelessness or deliberate and intentional. Had government taken some measures such incidents could have been prevented,” he said.

He said the Forest Policy for J&K that was approved in 2011 still awaits implementation.  The JK Forest Policy was approved in 2011, its basic objective was conservation of biodiversity and natural habitat through preservation of natural forests with the vast variety of flora and fauna. The recorded forest area is 20230 sq. kms, which constitutes 19.95 % of geographical area of the state.

Minister for forests, Chowdhary Lal Singh, said it was the responsibility of the government and the people alike to stop fire incidents. “We are taking measures how to stop fire incidents but the callousness of the people and even forest officials leads to the forest fire. It is responsibility of every one how to save our forests,” he added.