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Rudraprayag: The forests bordering the Kedar Valley are currently engulfed in a massive fire, raising alarm across the region. Forest wealth worth millions of rupees have already been destroyed, and wildlife roaming the forests is facing a serious threat.
Locals say the sight is unusual, as forests that are normally covered in snow during this season are now filled with smoke. Despite the bitter cold, the fire resembles the intense blazes usually seen in May and June. Thick plumes of smoke are spreading across the valley, disturbing the ecological balance. Residents fear that if the fire is not controlled soon, it could spread to nearby forests, worsening the situation.
Forest department’s challenge
The Forest Department is working continuously to extinguish the blaze, but officials admit the situation is extremely challenging. The fire has spread across remote and inaccessible mountainous areas, where rocky terrain makes firefighting difficult. Teams of forest personnel are on site, trying to control the flames and prevent further damage. The department is closely monitoring the situation to minimize harm to wildlife and the environment.
Rajat Suman, Divisional Forest Officer, said: “There is a fire in the forests of Kedar Valley, and every effort is being made to extinguish it. The forest department team is working to control the fires in higher altitude areas.”
Threat to wildlife and ecology
The raging fire is not only destroying valuable forest resources but also posing a grave threat to wildlife. Animals living in the forests are at risk as their habitats are being damaged. Experts warn that the ecological balance of the region could be severely affected if the fire continues unchecked.
Recent fire in Nanda Devi National Park
This incident comes close on the heels of another massive fire in Nanda Devi National Park in Chamoli district. The blaze, which broke out between the Lakshman Ganga and Alaknanda rivers, burned for six days before forest personnel managed to bring it under control. The incident had caused panic among forest officials and park administration, highlighting the growing threat of forest fires in Uttarakhand even during winter.
Dry conditions and difficult terrain make firefighting a daunting task
The massive fire in Kedar Valley underlines the vulnerability of Uttarakhand’s forests, where dry conditions and difficult terrain make firefighting a daunting task. With wildlife at risk and ecological balance disturbed, forest officials are racing against time to control the flames and protect the fragile Himalayan environment.
