Forest fires ravage Himachal flora

Shimla: Forest fires raging across the parched hills of Himachal Pradesh have scorched huge tracts of wooded areas and grasslands this summer.

The state is struggling hard to contain the orange glow that is wiping out flora and fauna in the Himalayas.

"Huge tracts of wooded areas have been scorched this summer due to an abnormal rise in temperatures and a prolonged dry spell. Till date, 19,109 hectares have been devoured by flames," Forest Minister J.P. Nadda told IANS.

He said the loss of forest wealth has occurred on a big scale this time.

"Since the onset of summer, 1,537 forest fires have been reported, mostly in the middle and low hills, nearly three times more than the previous year," he said.

Avtar Singh, chief conservator (forest protection and fire control), said: "So far forest wealth worth Rs23.9 million (Dh1.8 million) has been gutted. Last year it was Rs8 million.

"Most of the fire incidents have been reported from Sirmaur, Shimla, Kangra and Mandi districts, which have the maximum density of pine forests."

He also attributed the rise in fire incidents to a change in climatic conditions.

"This winter saw less rain and snow in almost all districts. In May, the pre-monsoon showers were erratic which has drastically reduced the moisture content in the soil.

The sudden rise in day temperature from April onwards has further triggered fire incidents," the official said.