Fire destroys large forest cover in Kashmir

Manjakote (J-K), June 25 (ANI): A massive fire has engulfed a large forest area in Jammu and Kashmir, destroying trees and posing threat to nomadic tribes living near the forest.

The fire, which has been raging for past two days in Rajouri areas, has caused damage to the region's ecology.

The forest authorities have sought the help of in Army personnel to douse the fire, which they cite is due to a prolonged dry spell and high temperature in the region.

"The temperature is very high especially in Jammu region and in Kanjuri, Kalakot and Pandi ranges there have been many incidents of fire. We have deployed all our staff in controlling these fires," said Gulzar Hussain, District Forest Officer (DFO), Rajouri.

The fire officials are trying their level best to control the fire and stop it from spreading further, but have not been successful.

Scarcity of water is a major handicap in controlling the fire. The fire has also led to a rise in the temperature of the region around the forest cover.

Forest fires are a major cause of degradation of forest cover in India and around 90 percent of the fires are caused due to human carelessness. (ANI)