New Delhi : The Himalayas, long considered a natural fortress of snow and serenity, are now facing an unprecedented crisis. Forest fires, typically associated with the dry summer months of May and June, are erupting in the bitter cold of January. From Uttarakhand’s Yamuna Valley, Kedarnath, and Nanda Devi forests to Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir, flames are spreading across the mountain belt, disturbing ecological balance and threatening communities. Uttarakhand: Yamuna Valley, Kedarnath, Nanda Devi In Uttarkashi’s Yamuna Valley, a massive blaze in the Mugarsanti Range has reached just below Kotiyal village, filling the valley with thick smoke and panic. Forest wealth worth millions has already been destroyed, while wildlife faces grave danger. Nearby, forests bordering Kedarnath are engulfed in flames, raising fears among pilgrims and residents. The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, one of India’s most biodiverse zones, has also reported fire outbreaks, endangering rare species and...
- Namita Singh
- Updated on: Jan 19, 2026 | 12:43 PM