Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Dec 27: Days after wildfire destroyed scores of lush green trees in Veersern forest range at tourist resort of Pehalgam, major forest fire has engulfed the Ringth- Khull forest range in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district.
Reports said that the wildfire has engulfed scores of lush green tress and was spreading towards interior of the forests. “Fire has destroyed a large area in Ringth and is spreading at rapid pace to the interior of the dense forests,” locals told Excelsior.
They said that the fire broke out yesterday and since then the flames with dense smoke are emanating, because of which dozens of green Deodar trees have been gutted.
Bashir Ahmad Khatana, a local resident of Ahmedabad said that they have informed forest officials, but no official reached to the spot to take steps to douse the fire. “Flames could be seen from a long distance,” eyewitnesses said.
A forest official at district headquarter Kulgam, wishing anonymity said that they have received information about the incident, but it was very late and due to the darkness of the night, they could not take any strong measure to stop it.
“We are leaving tomorrow early in the morning to the spot and we will take appropriate measures to douse the flames,” he said.
He also said: “Fire has erupted due to the burning of leaves and branches of trees in the forest. Charcoal making for winter are being carried out in the forests, that is the reason of fire,” he said.
Locals however, said that concerned department has failed to extinguish the fire due to the casual attitude of its officials.
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