New Delhi (NVI): Uttarakhand is witnessing unprecedented forest fires, with at least 40 active fires currently ravaging through the forests in the state.
Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat had on Sunday held a high-level emergency meeting to discuss ways to control the fire as soon as possible. He also requested the Centre to send help.
As per the chief minister’s request, the Union Home Ministry dispatched two Indian Air Force helicopters that have been deployed in the firefighting operations.
So far, the fire has affected forests across the Garhwal and Kumaon regions with Nainital, Almora, Tehri and Pauri districts being the worst-hit, according to the state government.
Furthermore, property worth Rs 37 lakh has been destroyed while at least seven animals have died due to the fire.
This may be the worst fire since 2016 in the state.
Forest fires are a regular occurrence in Uttarakhand at this time of the year. They are usually caused by dry leaves fallen from trees during the season.
Since January this year, there have been 983 incidents of forest fire in the state affecting 1,292 hectares of land, the state government said on Sunday.
-CHK
