Uttarakhand Forest Fires Rage Since January 9; Challenging Terrain Hampers Containment Efforts

Dehradun, Uttarakhand: Forest fires have been burning across Uttarakhand since early January, defying control efforts due to dry weather and difficult terrain. Even in the middle of winter, the flames have spread rapidly, prompting the deployment of an MI-17 Army helicopter at Joshimath to assist the forest department, though the Air Force has not yet commenced aerial firefighting operations.

The fires, which started on January 9 in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and the Valley of Flowers in Chamoli district, continue to threaten the region. Dry leaves and fallen timber have accelerated the spread, making it difficult for forest officials to contain the blaze, especially at higher altitudes. The affected areas, including the Penkanda and Bhuyundar ranges, are situated at approximately 13,000 feet, with steep cliffs between the Alaknanda and Lakshman Ganga rivers, making ground access extremely challenging.

To tackle the situation, forest teams and laborers have been deployed to prevent the fire from spreading to lower areas. Despite these efforts, the flames at higher elevations remain uncontrolled. Forest officials conducting aerial surveys have stated that some fires may naturally burn out over time. However, by Thursday, the fire had already reached areas with green trees in Nanda Devi National Park.

Army and Air Force Support
The MI-17 helicopter has been stationed at the Joshimath Army helipad on standby. According to local officials, the helicopter will remain deployed for two to three days, but aerial fire suppression operations have not yet begun. The challenging terrain has even prevented the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) from reaching some affected zones.

Forest Department Response
Sarvesh Kumar, Divisional Forest Officer of Kedarnath Wildlife Division, noted that the fires originated from the burning of dry trees. Teams on the ground are working tirelessly to control the blaze in lower areas, while aerial monitoring continues to guide containment efforts.

The ongoing fires in Uttarakhand highlight the vulnerability of high-altitude forests to winter blazes, exacerbated by dry conditions and inaccessible terrain, creating a formidable challenge for authorities and emergency responders.