Massive Forestfire in Uttarakhand

28 May 2020, Himanshi Jha

The year which has broken the COVID havoc on the country and the world, has brought along a series of unfathomable tragedies, from Amphan Cyclone to the worst attack of Locust swarms in decades. 2020 has become the highlight of the most tragic time being experienced by all of us. Enter another significant environmental tragedy, which has hit the Uttarakhand in Nothern India , in what has now become a respite-less struggle for the fire fighters controlling the raging forest fires in the state. With rising mercury levels, Uttarakhand’s forest fire season have destroyed nearly over 71 hectares of forest covers and caused a tremendous loss of flora and fauna.

Seems 2020 is not ready to take a break as yet another disaster in the form of forest fires in Uttarakhand has emerged. As per reports, Uttarkhand is burning for the last four days with 46 wildfires and over half the wildlife species are in danger. Around 21 instances of forest fires were reported from Kumaon region of the state alone, making it one of the most hard-hit regions in the State. The Garhwal region has witnessed 16 incidents of forest fires and the reserve forest area has witnessed 9 incidents of forest fires. The estimated losses incurred by the forest department owing to the wildfires has been estimated to be around Rs. 1.32 lakh. Two people have lost their lives owing to the wildfires, while one person is reported to be injured due to the wildfire.