Authorities issue forest fire warning for Kashmir in the coming week

NEW DELHI: The National Disaster Management Authority on Thursday issued an advisory in Jammu and Kashmir and directed the authorities of several districts of the valley to prepare for the looming risk of forest fire over the next seven days.
In a letter issued by the office of Kashmir divisional commissioner, deputy commissioners of 10 districts have been directed to make people living in fire-prone areas aware of the risk.
“It is crucial that everyone, particularly those in fire-prone areas, are made aware of the current risks and proactive measures are taken to prevent any incidents,” the letter read.
The authorities also asked the people to stay alert, avoid flames and report any sign of fire promptly.
The field staff, forest workers and emergency responders were directed to be on high alert.
“Ensure that all forest staff, local authorities and emergency responders are notified and briefed on the current fire risk. They should be prepared with fire-fighting equipment and ready to take action if necessary,” the letter added.
This comes after several fire occurrences were reported last year.
Jammu and Kashmir’s total forest cover is 20,194 square kilometres, with 12,066 square kilometres in the Jammu area and 8,128 square kilometres in the Kashmir region. Ladakh Union Territory has 36 square kilometres of forest area.
The forest cover consists of 1075 square kilometres of Deodar, 1825 square kilometres of Chir, 1969 square kilometres of Kail, 3401 square kilometres of Fir, and 10075 square kilometres of other types.