Vast tracts of Kumaon forests perish in fires

BD Kasniyal

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Pithoragarh, June 10

Hundreds of acres of forests and rare flora and fauna have perished in fires raging for the past couple of days in different parts of Pithoragarh, Almora, Bageshwar and Champawat districts.

Affected villagers alleged the department had no sufficient arrangements to douse a forest fire.

Last evening, more than 10 hectares of forest was destroyed in a fire that broke out suddenly at Jhaltola and Lamkeswat villages in Berinag subdivision of Pithoragarh. Although the Fire Department was informed immediately, its personnel and fire engines did not reach the area in time. Villagers doused the fire themselves before the firemen arrived.

“It took us several hours to douse the fire. Firefighters reached later,” alleged Rajendra Singh Bora, a member of the zila panchayat. He said the fire continued for eight hours and destroyed small plants of oak, related species and all recently planted Kafal plants.

Forest panchayat chief Dropadi Devi complained to the authorities that miscreants allegedly started fire in Tailani and Bratoli forests in Nachni village of Munsiyari subdivision last evening, destroying more than 10 hectares of panchayat forests and 12 quintals of firewood. “We have sent a report to senior officials. The miscreants will be brought to book soon,” said Ramesh Lodhiyal, local forest beat in charge.

Forest fires also destroyed the roofs of a school and a temple, besides several acres of forest wealth in Bhikliasain and Ranikhet subdivisions of Almora last evening.

While the roof of the school was destroyed in Rikhar village of Bhiliasain subdivision, hundreds of acres of forest was destroyed in the Chamarkhan range of Ranikhet subdivision.

In Champawat district, five acres of dense Chirapani forest was destroyed in a fire last evening. “We have limited sources to douse a fire. However, we managed to bring the fire under control before it could spread to other parts of the area,” said MM Bhatt, forest range officer, Champawat.