STATE TIMES NEWS
Bhadarwah: Continu-ous dry spell since more than last 3 months has started taking its tool on enviournment as well, as massive forest fire is being reported since last ten days from Bhalessa, Chiralla and Neeru ranges of Forest Division Bhadarwah in Chenab circle causing loss worth Millions, as hundreds of trees and saplings turned into ashes beside irrepearable loss to the environment and eco system. After reports of forest fire from Kahara, Dhadkai, Changa and Sharekhi blocks, today Compartment number 17 and 18 of Duggi block in Neeru range, just 2 Km from Bhadarwah town near Atal Garh locality caught fire, due to dry grass fire immediately starting spreading with huge flames, as hundreds of trees and saplings caught fire within no time.
The villagers immediately raised an alarm and informed Forest Officials and Fire Tenders.
As the reports last came in fire tenders from Bhadarwah Fire Station reached the spot and are trying their best to control the fire.
However according to the locals present on the spot and who were helping fire tenders, alleged that despite repeated phone calls, neither any forest official from territorial wing or Forest Protection Force reached the spot.
The Forest fire that reportedly engulfed Compartment 17-18 of block Duggi today evening has been partially controlled by fire tenders but has already damaged dozens of pine and cedar trees especially young saplings and regeneration.
“As soon we got a call from a local about the forest fire, I alongwith fire tenders and fire extinguishers reached the spot. Our operation is going on since last one hour and we are hopeful we will be able to control the fire in next one hour,” said Incharge Fire Service Station Bhadarwah Mohd Shaban adding that he didn’t get a call from any of the forest officials.
