Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir has recorded 45 forest fire incidents over the past 12 weeks, prompting authorities to convene a high-level meeting aimed at improving fire prevention, rapid response and coordination among various departments. The development comes amid growing concerns over recurring forest fires across the region, driven largely by prolonged dry weather and rising temperatures.
According to Conservator of Forests (West Circle), Rajouri, Sat Pal, the 45 incidents were reported across the Rajouri and Nowshera forest divisions during the current fire season. The fires have affected several forest areas, causing damage to vegetation and wildlife habitats. Officials noted that while most of the incidents involved surface fires rather than more destructive crown fires, they still posed a significant threat to biodiversity and ecological balance.
Fresh visuals from the Sialsui Khadar forest area in Kalakote tehsil showed large stretches of forest engulfed in flames, highlighting the severity of the situation. Forest officials said the fires were fueled by hot and dry weather conditions that have persisted across parts of Jammu and Kashmir in recent weeks.
To address the growing challenge, a meeting was held involving forest officials and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for quicker resource mobilisation and stronger communication systems. The objective was to ensure that firefighting teams can respond rapidly to emerging fires and prevent them from spreading to larger forest areas. Authorities stressed the need for better coordination between government departments and local communities to minimize losses.
Officials also expressed optimism that recent rainfall in the region could help reduce the frequency of fire incidents. According to Sat Pal, temperatures have dropped slightly following the showers, which may lower the risk of fresh outbreaks in the coming days. However, authorities remain on alert as weather conditions can change quickly during the summer season.
Over the past few weeks, firefighting operations have involved personnel from the Forest Department, Forest Protection Force, Social Forestry Department and local volunteers. These teams have worked extensively to contain blazes and stop them from reaching densely forested areas. Their efforts have helped prevent further damage in several vulnerable locations.
Authorities have appealed to residents to cooperate in preventing forest fires by avoiding negligent activities that could spark flames. They urged people to remain vigilant and immediately report any signs of fire. Officials emphasized that protecting forests is a collective responsibility and essential for preserving the region’s rich biodiversity and environmental health.
