SOPORE: Four days on the fire in the forests of Kandi range is yet to be doused while huge swathes have been damaged, officials say they are on the job.
“Fire emanated from compartment numbers 23 of Kandi range Rampora, four days back and then spread to other compartments,” sources confided.
The fire has since engulfed compartment number 26 and 33 in Kandi range area at upper reaches of Rampora Rajpora Sopore as well, they said.
“It has spread to nearby compartments of South Lolab forest Range of Kupwara,” they said.
Officials at the Forest Department said that they have already deputed its personnel to douse the fire but locals accuse department of ‘inaction for three days while fire was wreaking havoc to green gold’.
“The fire has damaged and destroyed a large number of trees in the area and has expanded into other areas,” locals said.
Fire has also engulfed in compartment numbers 25, 30 and 37 at Kandi range Watlab as well.
Ab Majeed Range officer told INS that the fire in forest areas has been caused due to dry weather conditions and the forest range under fire ‘this time must have been under snow cover’.
“Since last three days we are firefighting and efforts are on to douse the fire completely in these areas,” he said.
representational picture
