Jammu: Massive forest fires raged on in parts of Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur and Rajouri districts on Tuesday, with personnel from multiple departments and locals engaged in extensive dousing operations to prevent the blaze from spreading, officials said.
The fires, intensified by soaring temperatures and strong winds, have affected vast stretches of forest land in Ghordi area of Udhampur and the Nowshera belt of Rajouri, posing a serious challenge to firefighting teams.
In Udhampur, a major forest fire broke out in the Narthan forest area under Hartyan panchayat in Ghordi block, and spread rapidly across several areas of the Ramnagar Forest Division, officials said.
Flames have engulfed forested area near Serbala village in the Chillar block and areas near Upper Barmeen village, while forests stretches near Nallah Ghouran and Phalal areas in Barmeen block are also ablaze, they said.
Teams of the forest department, Forest Protection Force, fire and emergency services, and police have been deployed in affected areas, while locals have joined efforts to contain the blaze and protect nearby habitations and farmlands.
Officials said strong winds and difficult terrain have complicated operations, allowing the fire to spread rapidly over the dry forest cover.
Ramnagar Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Naresh Majotra said active wildfires were affecting several forest areas and adjoining villages within the division.
“Forest department personnel have been deployed in affected areas and are working continuously to douse the flames and prevent further spread,” he said.
No loss of human life or damage to residential structures has been reported so far in Udhampur district, officials said, adding that the situation is being closely monitored.
In Rajouri district, major forest fires erupted in several areas of the Nowshera belt on Monday and continued to burn for the second consecutive day, causing extensive damage to forest land, officials said.
Personnel from various departments, assisted by local villagers, are engaged in efforts to bring the fire under control, they said.
While no casualties have been reported so far, officials said the blaze has caused significant damage to forest vegetation and adversely impacted wildlife, including animals and bird species inhabiting the affected areas.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with firefighting teams as operations continue in both districts.
