Swift action needed

Amid the ongoing dry spell in Jammu and Kashmir, the raging forest fire in Manzgam forest area of Upper Brein Nishat, on Srinagar outskirts, now entering its sixth day, is a grim reminder of the region’s growing vulnerability to environmental disasters. As flames continue to engulf vast stretches of forest cover, the incident raises serious concerns about preparedness, response capacity and the long-term health of the region’s fragile ecology. Forests around Srinagar act as natural lungs, water regulators and biodiversity reservoirs. Prolonged fires not only destroy trees and wildlife habitats but also degrade soil quality, increase the risk of landslides and worsen air pollution for nearby habitations. The longer such fires burn, the more irreversible the damage becomes, both environmentally and economically. Ground teams battling difficult terrain can only do so much. The Manzgam fire clearly underlines the urgent need for adequate aerial firefighting support. Helicopters equipped with fire-retardant systems can make a decisive difference in containing large blazes, especially in inaccessible mountainous areas. Delays in deploying such resources often allow fires to spread uncontrollably. Beyond immediate containment, this incident should prompt a serious review of forest fire management strategies. Early warning systems, watchtowers, fire lines and trained rapid-response units must be strengthened before the dry season intensifies. Equally important is community involvement. Local residents, trekkers and forest workers should be made partners in early detection and reporting. Climate change, prolonged dry spells and human negligence are increasing the frequency of forest fires across the region. Treating each incident as an isolated event will only invite repetition. What Manzgam demands today is swift, decisive action to douse the flames, and tomorrow, a robust, well-equipped firefighting framework.