Dry spell triggers forest fires in IIOJK
Srinagar: The prolonged dry spell has sparked off fires in multiple forest areas in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The forest fire has broken out in different areas of Ganderbal, Shopian, Kulgam, Pulwama, Baramulla, Bandipora, Uri and Doda districts. The fire incidents in these areas have been reported in the past few days.
An official of the local meteorological department said the bushfire is the outcome of the persistent dry spell in occupied Kashmir. Such incidents have been witnessed in the past as well, he said.
An independent weather expert said the current surge in forest fires can be attributed to the absence of active Western Disturbances. He said, the continuous dry spell spanning over a month has significantly reduced moisture levels in the vegetation and other areas, rendering the forests highly susceptible to ignition.
The crucial role of Western Disturbances in bringing moisture to the region has been absent, exacerbating the dry conditions, he added.
