Fire in Dachigam National Park almost brought under control

Srinagar, Apr 13 (UNI) A bushfire that had erupted in the Dachigam National Park, which is home to many rare and endangered species, including the Hangul or Kashmir Stag, has almost been brought under control, a wildlife official said today.

Regional Wildlife Warden, Kashmir, Syed Farooq Ahmed Gilani told UNI that about 90 per cent of fire had been brought under control.

''The situation has been brought under control. The fire is raging at just one spot now at Manev Top near Drog valley within the national park. The wildfire was spotted in the Zabarwan hills early yesterday,'' he added.

Mr Gilani ruled out any damage to wildlife, including the Hangul, or standing crops, but said the bushfire had blackened almost half of the forest area covered by grass, bushes and scattered trees.

The Regional Wildlife Warden said a two sq km area within the Dachigam National Park has been affected by the blaze and as such the habitat of the Hangul has been damaged.

However, he said there was no cause for worry as such type of grass and bushes grow in about two weeks time.

Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Basharat Ahmed Dhar along with Mr Gilani and other senior officials undertook an aerial survey of the park in helicopter this morning to assess the damage caused by the fire, the cause of which was being ascertained.

Mr Gilani said some officials of the Fire and Emergency Services, the Forest Protection Force (FPF) and the wildlife departments were wounded in the more than eight-hour-long fire-fighting operation.

The Fire and Emergency Services Department had deputed its 30 men to help the wildlife and FFP officials control the blaze.

''We hope to bring the blaze, raging at one spot now, under control within the next few hours,'' he hoped.

The bushfire, that had caused damage to several spots inside the Dachigam National Park, about 22 km from here, was brought under control at 2300 hrs last night with the help of fire beaters and other equipment, sources said.

They said fire tenders could not be rushed to the area as there were no motorable roads leading to the forests.

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