Unusually dry weather in Jammu and Kashmir has triggered around 100 forest fires in the past 15 days and threatens to change crop patterns in the wake of 80-90% deficient rainfall for the past 40 days.
Spring seasons are usually wet in Kashmir but locals across the Valley are spotting forest fires on a regular basis this year. At least eight forest fires were spotted in Kashmir and nearly 50 in Jammu region on April 10-11, according to the NASA FIRMS’ satellite images. The fires have engulfed several portions of forests where wildlife is active.
“Significant deficit in rainfall has resulted in dryness and less moisture availability in our forest areas. Grasses are more prone to dryness and vulnerable to catch fire. This is coupled with local grazers who at times intentionally want to get rid of the dry grasses for much better and greener rejuvenations as fodder availability. So far, the incidents are largely, 90-95%, ground and bush fire in nature and large mammals and birds are not much affected,” Rashid Naqash, regional wildlife warden, Kashmir, told The Hindu.
