Forest Fires Raise Concerns in Uttarakhand Amid Harsh Winter Conditions

Uttarakhand is currently experiencing intense winter conditions, akin to other parts of northern India. However, the chilling temperatures have not deterred incidents of forest fires in the mountainous regions, causing concerns for the forest department. The Indian Forest Survey Department is receiving daily fire alerts, averaging between 10 to 12, from various forest regions.

Key Points:

1. Forest Fires Amid Harsh Cold: Despite the cold weather and increased humidity levels, forested areas in Uttarakhand, including districts like Uttarkashi, Almora, Chamoli, and Pithoragarh, have witnessed recent incidents of forest fires. This has led to heightened worries among authorities.
2. Study Initiated to Determine Causes: In response to the growing incidents of forest fires, forest authorities are planning to conduct a scientific study to investigate the root causes behind these fires. The department has sought information from all forest divisions where fire incidents have occurred to understand the reasons for the fires.
3. Concerns Over Ignition Sources: Forest officials express concern over the ignition sources in forests during the winter season. While efforts are underway to control and extinguish the fires promptly, authorities are keen on understanding why forested areas are susceptible to fires during the winter months.
4. Controlled Burning Initiatives: In some places, controlled burning is being undertaken in nearby fields to prevent uncontrolled wildfires. This practice aims to systematically burn dried leaves and vegetation to manage fuel loads and prevent the spread of fires under controlled conditions.
5. Scientific Analysis and Action Plans: The Chief Forest Conservator and the state's nodal officer for forest fires, Nishant Varma, acknowledge the need for a scientific analysis of the causes behind the winter forest fires. Action plans will be formulated based on the findings to address the situation effectively.

As the forested areas continue to experience fires during the winter, the forest department is determined to investigate the root causes scientifically and take necessary steps to mitigate the risk of wildfires.

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