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Chamoli: After months of dealing with bear and leopard attacks, villages in Uttarakhand are now suffering from another crisis — forest fires in winter. In Chamoli’s Karnaprayag area, flames have broken out in the Nandprayag Forest Range, damaging trees and threatening wildlife.
Forest officials suspect that the fires are being deliberately set by unidentified individuals along village boundaries. Such incidents have increased in recent weeks, raising concerns about the safety of both forests and nearby communities.
Forest fire erupted on Monday evening in Kaleshwar region
On Monday evening, a fire erupted in the Sirtoli beat of the Kaleshwar section. Forest workers managed to control it temporarily, but by Tuesday morning, the blaze spread again due to strong winds and rocky terrain. Teams continued their efforts late into the night and early morning to contain the flames in the forests of Mauna.
Forest Range Officer Hemant Bisht said strict action will be taken against those responsible. “Files are being prepared to identify anti-social elements causing harm to the environment. The department has instructed teams to remain vigilant and gather information about the arsonists,” he stated.
Pine and oak trees have been damaged
The fire has already damaged pine and oak trees in the forests of Nakot Dimmar, Kankhul, Raikhal Shankarigali, and Kedarkhal. Villagers reported the incident to forest officials, after which fire control teams rushed to the spot.
Local residents said the fire spread quickly as winds carried flames into rocky areas, making it difficult to control. Thick smoke was visible throughout the day, raising alarm among nearby villages.
Leopards and bears may move closer to villages in search of food and shelter
Officials warn that forest fires during winter can worsen the human-wildlife conflict. With natural habitats damaged, animals such as leopards and bears may move closer to villages in search of food and shelter. This adds to the already rising number of wildlife encounters in the region.
Officials have urged villagers to report suspicious activities
Despite the cold season, forest workers are “sweating to control” the blaze, battling both harsh weather and difficult terrain. Authorities believe that deliberate fires are becoming more frequent, threatening Uttarakhand’s fragile ecosystem. Officials have urged villagers to report suspicious activities immediately, while promising strict action against those found guilty of setting fires.
