More than 100 forest fire incidents have been reported in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district this season, affecting around 850 hectares of forest land, Conservator of Forests, West Circle Rajouri, Sat Pal (IFS), said on Sunday.
The forest department has been continuously working to contain and control the fires, which have been fuelled by the ongoing heatwave, dry weather conditions and the presence of highly inflammable Chir pine forests in the region.
Conservator Sat Pal urged people to exercise caution and avoid discarding items like bidis or cigarettes, and to promptly alert the authorities in case of any forest fire incident.
The department is increasingly relying on technology for early detection of forest fires, but reaching the affected areas remains a major challenge due to the district's difficult terrain and lack of road connectivity in several locations.
Rajouri comprises two forest divisions spread across a vast hilly landscape dominated by Chir pine forests, which are highly prone to catching fire.
The Forest Department has reiterated its commitment to protecting forest resources and sought public cooperation to tackle the growing threat of forest fires in the district.
