Bandipora, April 23 (KNO): The forest area in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district is turning into ashes due to massive blaze that started on Monday and has engulfed a large portion of the forest.
The forest fire has turned trees and saplings into ashes in Chattaybandy and Aragam area of bandipora district.
Reports reaching to KNO said compartment number 145, 146 caught fire on Monday, causing a huge loss to green gold. Locals however blamed forest department for their negligence.
They said that forest department has miserably failed to douse the flames on time, thus spread to a vast area.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora said that forest team has been rushed to the spot by DFO Bandipora, adding that two parties along with locals stand deputed for dousing operations.
“It is alpine pastures and will take some time for complete dousing off, though it has been stopped from spreading,” he said.
DFO Bandipora told that department is trying its best to douse the fire. “We are trying to douse the fire. Massive operation has been launched by the department,” he added.(KNO)