JK People’s Party Chief Sheeban Ashai exhorts conscientious investigation apropos unprecedented forest fires.

Srinagar, 8th April 2025 (PTK): Expressing concern over current environmental crises anent forest fires, JK People’s Party Chief Sheeban Ashai exhorted attention of present dispensation. We are loosing our natural legacy but Government of the day doesn’t seem to care less. More than 100 forest fires have erupted; about 200 acres of forest cover has been consumed in past two weeks. Worst hit district is Anantnag district of Kashmir division, where daily flare ups have turned thriving woodlands into smouldering wastelands. Lidder, Kokernag, and Shangus Forest Divisions have suffered severe damage. On Sunday flames were seen engulfing forests of Nambal and Hutmurah Mattan. Another blaze erupted same day in Narbal-Rafiabad forest of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. Since April 1st, forest fires have been reported in 15 districts across Jammu and Kashmir. In Kashmir, fires have scorched parts of Bandipora, Ganderbal, Pulwama, Baramulla and Budgam. Things are particularly grim in Lidder Division of Anantnag where Bijbehara-Pahalgam belt has witnessed repeated flare-ups. In Jammu division, active blazes have been reported in Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi, Doda, and Poonch. Forest Department attributes fires to human negligence, illegal camping, and prolonged dry spells however locals have refuted such claims. Worst part is that there hasn’t been a thorough investigation into past incidents. Some forests are off-limits to regular tourists or campers & many fires have broken out in distant, difficult terrains. Authorities, Government need to order a through enquiry ascertaining cause and origin of these fires. Ashai underscored need for government to invest in manpower and infrastructure for forest department. Due to current lacuna in manpower, equipment and support; forest officials rely on outdated tools and means to fight fire, most forest compartments don’t have proper roads and communication is poor. Government must ensure procurement of modern fire fighting equipments, drones, fire tenders and a thorough enquiry must be ascertaining reasons behind present crises. (PTK)