Himachal Pradesh: During the 2023-2024 fire season, the forest department has reported extensive damage caused by forest fires across the state; a total of 686 such incidents were recorded. According to the latest data compiled in the Fire Incident Reporting Engine (FIRE), a web-based reporting platform developed by the IT wing of the forest department, 11,032 hectares of forest land and plantation areas were affected by fire, leading to an estimated financial loss of over Rs 3.24 crore. The data shows that the Kullu circle remained the worst affected, where 127 fire incidents affected 2,924.92 hectares of forest land and caused losses of about Rs 83 lakh. Mandi circle reported 105 fire incidents, affecting over 706 hectares of area and causing losses of about Rs 54 lakh. Solan circle reported only six incidents, but 70 hectares of forest land and plantation area were damaged, leading to losses of Rs 1.72 lakh. Of the 686 fire incidents, most of the affected areas were natural forests, with over 2,171 hectares of greenery destroyed. Damage was also suffered in plantation areas, as about 846 hectares of area was affected. Besides, about 402 hectares of area in other areas like grasslands were also affected by the fire. According to a report from the department, the total immediate loss from the fires across all areas has been estimated at Rs 3.24 crore. These fires, which are often aggravated by dry weather conditions and human negligence, have destroyed valuable forest resources and posed a serious threat to wildlife in many areas. The forest department has urged local communities and local authorities to remain vigilant as the fire season is still on. The department has also stressed the importance of coordinated efforts in fire management and prevention, including better monitoring and quick response time, to prevent the spread of forest fires.
Himachal: Forest fire causes loss of Rs 3.24 crore, 11 thousand hectares of area damaged
