Fire broke out at Zabarwan forest range on Sunday evening. Similar incidents have been occurring in various forest areas of Jammu and Kashmir. In the just concluded winter, fire caused damage to the forests at a number of places.
The incidents at that time were said to be occurring due to the prolonged dry spell. However, after the end of dry spell and occurring of snowfall, the incidents did stop. And now the fire occurred in Zabarwan forests.
Such incidents keep on occurring from time to time throughout the year. There is a need to go into the root causes of the forest fires. Efforts should be made to minimise these causes. And in case of a fire, prompt action is needed. All measures have to to be taken to bring the fire under control immediately to minimise the losses.
Forest fires are not occurring in Jammu and Kashmir only. Such incidents also do happen outside Jammu and Kashmir. The concerned officials here must too switch over to new ways of extinguishing the fire wherever needed. Modern equipments and methods must be utilised.
Jammu and Kashmir cannot afford further damage to forests. In past, the forests here have suffered badly for decades. This area was known for rich forest cover and forest wealth. But destruction of this wealth through different ways had serious consequences.
Massive deforestation and timber smuggling caused extensive damage. The destruction continued for decades together. Finally when it was controlled much damage was already done. Much of the forest wealth was lost. The forest cover got reduced drastically.
Whatever left now has to be protected. If not protected then whatever left too will be lost. Besides curbing the timber smuggling, the forest fires have to be minimised with whatever means to be employed. This is not only the duty of the concerned government departments but also of the people living near the forests besides those working in the forest.
There should not be any human act or negligence which cause forest fires. Such acts should be avoided. Those living near forests too must follow the advisory being issued by the fire and emergency services department time to time to prevent forest fire.
The preventive measures include avoiding open flames, reporting suspicious activities, adhering to fire restrictions, planning outdoor activities carefully, and reporting fires immediately. Protecting forests from any further damage is a collective responsibility.