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Dehradun: A major forest fire has been raging in the Valley of Flowers range of Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district for the past four days, posing a grave threat to the Nanda Devi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has also posed a danger to the forest wealth, wildlife and endangered species in the area.
Despite continuous efforts, forest workers have failed to extinguish the blaze, forcing officials to seek assistance from the Indian Air Force (IAF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Indo‑Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
Fire out of control
The fire broke out in the buffer zone of the Valley of Flowers and has been spreading rapidly. Forest workers attempted to cross the Pushpganga river using wooden poles to reach the affected areas, but high rocky terrain and falling stones made firefighting nearly impossible. The blaze has also spread to the forests of Chaai Thang in Jyotirmath, further complicating containment efforts.
Cause of the fire
According to Abhimanyu, Divisional Forest Officer of Nanda Devi National Park, sparks from falling stones in the rocky areas are believed to have triggered the fire. Dry weather conditions, absence of rainfall, and accumulation of dry leaves and wood have fueled the flames. With no moisture left in the forests, the fire continues to spread unchecked.
Danger to forest teams
Two forest department teams are currently deployed in the area, but the situation remains dangerous. Falling stones and trees from the hills are putting the lives of forest workers at risk. Officials have admitted that under current conditions, extinguishing the fire is beyond their capacity.
Park officials have appealed to the administration
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, park officials have appealed to the administration for immediate intervention. Requests have been made to deploy the Air Force for aerial firefighting support, along with SDRF and ITBP teams to strengthen ground operations.
District Magistrate Chamoli, Gaurav Kumar, described the report submitted by Nanda Devi National Park officials as “worrying” and confirmed that the Disaster Management Department has been asked to take urgent action. The Secretary for Disaster Management and Rehabilitation has also been briefed on the crisis.
Dry weather continued in Uttarakhand
The Meteorological Department has predicted no rainfall for the next 10 days, worsening the situation. Without natural moisture, the fire is expected to spread further unless immediate large‑scale firefighting measures are taken.
The Valley of Flowers, renowned worldwide for its biodiversity and natural beauty, is facing one of its most serious threats in recent years. With the fire raging uncontrollably, the Forest Department’s appeal for Air Force and paramilitary assistance highlights the urgency of saving this fragile ecological treasure before irreparable damage occurs.
