Nanda Devi Biosphere: Winter forest fires in Uttarakhand’s high Himalayas raise alarm, glaciers under threat
A week‑long winter forest fire in Uttarakhand's Valley of Flowers has raised alarm over the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. Experts warn of threats to biodiversity, glaciers, and avalanche risks, linking the unusual blaze to climate change and urging urgent scientific study for effective prevention.
Dehradun: The week‑long forest fire in the Valley of Flowers range of Nanda Devi National Park has raised serious concerns about the fragile ecosystem of the high Himalayan region.
Experts believe this unusual winter fire amid dry weather is linked to climate change and warn that glaciers, vegetation, and rare wildlife are now under threat.
A rare but alarming incident
Forest fires in Uttarakhand are usually associated with the summer season, when dry conditions make forests vulnerable. However, the recent blaze in Chamoli district has continued for days in the middle of winter, shocking both scientists and officials. The incident has forced a re‑examination of biodiversity in the high Himalayas and the risks posed by changing weather patterns.
Past winter fires in the Himalayas
This is not the first time such incidents have occurred. Records show that between 2016 and 2025, winter forest fires broke out in Pithoragarh, Uttarkashi, and Chamoli districts at altitudes above 3,500 meters. Although those fires were quickly controlled, their causes were never clearly identified. The current fire, burning for a week in the Valley of Flowers, has sounded a louder alarm.
The looming danger
Experts warn that the fire is not just destroying vegetation and herbs but also threatening rare wildlife found in the region. The smoke produced in winter rises slowly due to low wind speed and settles on glaciers. This black carbon absorbs sunlight, increasing glacier melt. Even a slight rise in temperature can destabilize snow layers, raising the risk of avalanches.
The ecological chain is thus directly affected:
Vegetation and medicinal herbs are destroyed.
Wildlife habitats are disturbed.
Glaciers lose stability due to black carbon deposits.
Avalanche risk increases as snow grip weakens.
Expert opinions
Renowned environmentalist Padma Bhushan Dr. Anil Prakash Joshi explained that the Western Disturbance has disrupted the natural ecological cycle. "Rain, summer, and winter are part of a common mechanism, which has now been disturbed. The lack of rain and snowfall in winter indicates a lack of moisture. If there had been rain or snow, the fires would not have spread. Forest fires in this season are a dangerous sign. In‑depth study is necessary to deal with them,” he said.
There may be other causes besides climate change
Former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Jayraj also emphasized the need for scientific investigation. "The incidents of forest fires in the high Himalayan region need to be taken very seriously. There may be other causes besides climate change. Therefore, scientific study is extremely important. Effective steps should be taken after the study report,” he noted.
Forest Department to conduct a thorough scientific study
The Uttarakhand government has taken the matter seriously. Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal has instructed the Forest Department to conduct a thorough scientific study to identify the reasons behind winter forest fires. He said, "Incidents of forest fires in winter are a matter of concern. It is necessary to investigate why these fires are breaking out, especially in the forests of the high Himalayan regions. After the study report, effective steps will be taken to deal with the situation.”
The Chief Conservator of Forests has been tasked with leading the study, which will examine both natural and human‑induced causes. The government hopes that the findings will help frame a concrete and effective policy for fire control in the high Himalayan forests.