Wildfires in Uttarakhand have been wreaking havoc over the state and no respite has been seen until now. Moreover, forest fire of a large scale has been witnessed in many districts of Nainital and Almora as mercury continues to rise.
In fact, the pine jungles of Sattal, Bhimtal as well as Devidhura have been suffering and it is the environmentalists that seem really worried. As per media reports, there have been reported at least 32 wildfire cases from Dehradun in the past ten days or so.
Almora has seen 76 fire incidences have been reported with 189.25 hectares of forest area was ravaged while Nainital has seen a destruction of 168.28 hectares of forests wherein at least 170 wildfire cases have been reported.
Until yesterday, close to 600 cases have been reported with 70 being in Tehri Garhwal, 60 in Champawat 60, 68 in Pauri Garhwal, and 34 in Dehradun. Lesser rains and higher temperatures are to be blamed for these increased wildfire incidents, say forest officials. Six people have lost their lives until May 8.
Humans have been blamed for this Kings Landing like massacre. These wildfires are completely man made as both forest officials and villagers set land on fire for the purpose of burning agricultural residue and for controlled pine needles burning for encouraging fodder and grass growth.
There is a possibility of rainfall between May 16 and 18 over the state of Uttarakhand due to back to back Western Disturbances which may cause some respite from the uncontrollable situation.
Image Credit: India.com
