Uttarakhand has recently experienced a resurgence in forest fires, posing significant threats to notable landmarks and military installations. Over the past weekend, the fires advanced perilously close to the historic Army golf course in Ranikhet, a colonial-era putting ground.
Local officials reported that the blaze was subdued following an intense two-hour struggle, with minimal damage incurred. On Saturday, the fires also encroached upon the Military Hospital in Ranikhet. Approximately 130 Army personnel collaborated with local firefighting teams for several hours to extinguish the flames. Ranikhet fire service officer Vansh Narayan commended the joint efforts, stating, “The Army and our team managed to control the fire before a big mishap could happen.” Sunday evening saw another blaze erupting in the forests surrounding the Army’s firing range in Ranikhet, which was brought under control after more than an hour of firefighting. In a similar incident, a forest fire in the Bagwalipokhar area threatened a government school, but quick action from teachers and students averted significant damage to the building.
In the Lamgada forest, also within the Kumaon region, a blaze on Sunday evening reached a BSNL tower and nearby residential houses. The situation caused panic among residents before being contained by a coordinated effort involving the fire brigade, forest department, and local villagers. In Bageshwar, the fire reached the residence of the chief education officer.
The recent surge in fires has significantly impacted the Kumaon region, which has recorded 592 forest fire incidents, affecting over 834 hectares of land to date. Concurrently, the Garhwal region has also faced numerous incidents, with forest divisions in Mussoorie, Narendernagar, Kalsi, Lansdowne, and Rudraprayag reporting blazes. These incidents underscore the ongoing challenges faced by the state’s firefighting capabilities amidst rising temperatures and dry conditions. The swift and coordinated responses from military and local teams have been crucial in averting potentially catastrophic outcomes. However, the recurrence of such fires highlights the need for enhanced preventive measures and community awareness to mitigate the risks posed by forest fires in the region.
As the state continues to battle these blazes, the emphasis remains on ensuring the safety of residents and protecting critical infrastructure. The collective efforts of the Army, local firefighting teams, and community members are instrumental in managing and containing the fires, underscoring the importance of preparedness and rapid response in such emergencies. Divisional forest officer Deepak Singh, overseeing Almora and Bageshwar, said, “The forest department is working diligently to prevent further incidents. We urge the public to report any wildfires immediately to help avert casualties and damage to property and forest land.” Lt Col Manish Shrivastava, PRO (Defence), said: “The flames reached the hospital’s family ward, after which the commandant and hospital staff rushed to combat the blaze. Simultaneously, it spread to a civilian’s house adjacent to the hospital.”
