Frequent forest fires cause serious ecological concerns in Dharamsala

DHARAMSALA - Frequent forest fires and prolonged dry spells in summers are causing serious concerns about the ecological balance in Himachal Pradesh’s Dharamsala city.

Thousands of hectares of forest cover vanish with every fire that is frequent in the green cover of Himachal Pradesh in summers.

Forest conservators are also finding it difficult to deal with frequent fires in the forests.

“It is the ecosystem of the chief forest, and it’s impossible to stop them; only we can control them. Only, we can’t control them or restrict them. Even if we restrict it, there will be accumulation of biomass on the ground and again,” said A. M. R. Redy, Forest Conservator.

“It will take a greater toll after three-four years. So, there has to be a controlled way of controlling the forest fire, particularly in the chief forest,” he added.

The loss is not limited only to green cover of the state, but wildlife is equally getting affected due to the frequent fires. Locals blame officials for the loss of their green cover and for inefficient handling of the situation.

“Everybody knows that this is a danger for our nature, our mountains and for our climate. But nobody comes up. I think everybody should have to learn some lesson from this, because this is such a nice part and beautiful place. Many tourists come for the nature and mountains,” said Anil, a local.

Environmentalists feel that establishing local villages in forests can control fires.

“Villages should be made part of the forests like it was before traditionally. Tribal Act and Forest Act should be implemented.

When people will come to stay in the forests they will conserve it on their own. This is a very clear case and not against any particular person,” said Prem Sagar, an environmentalist. (ANI)