Six days on: Upper Nishat forest belt fire continues

Srinagar, Jan 15: A forest fire has been raging for the last six days in the Manzgam forest area of Upper Brein Nishat, in Srinagar outskirts and engulfing large stretches of surrounding forest cover, officials said on Thursday.
Officials said teams from the Forest Department, Forest Protection Force, Wildlife Department, and Soil Conservation field staff have been continuously engaged on the ground to bring the fire under control. However, the difficult terrain and lack of motorable road access have severely hampered firefighting efforts.
According to officials, employees have been forced to reach the affected areas on foot and are using sticks and manual methods to douse the flames. Bushes and dry grass across the forested slopes have caught fire, with thick smoke continuously emanating from multiple locations.
The fire has spread over hilly stretches of the Zabarwan range, making containment operations challenging. Despite the adverse conditions, firefighting teams have been working tirelessly to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby forest compartments. Locals in adjoining areas reported continuous smoke and the smell of burning vegetation over the past several days.
Forest officials said efforts are ongoing to contain the fire and minimize damage to forest resources. The extent of damage will be assessed after the flames are fully extinguished. [KNT]