Rainfall Brings Relief to Uttarakhand Forest Department Amid Rising Fire Threats
Heavy rainfall across Uttarakhand has brought much-needed relief to the Forest Department amidst an increasing threat of forest fires. Weather predictions indicate continued showers, reducing the fire risk significantly.
Dehradun: As the forest fire season intensifies in Uttarakhand with rising temperatures, the recent spell of rain has brought a wave of relief for the Forest Department. April had started with increased heat, sparking fears of more forest fires, but the heavy rainfall on Wednesday has changed the outlook.
According to the Meteorological Department, rainfall is expected to continue across several parts of the state from April 9 to April 12. This change in weather is proving to be a crucial factor in controlling the spread of wildfires. The moist atmosphere and dip in temperature are expected to curb the likelihood of fires igniting and spreading in forest areas.
So far this season, 80 forest fire incidents have been recorded in Uttarakhand, impacting 98.62 hectares of forest land. However, compared to the same period in 2023 and 2024, the number of incidents is nearly half, offering some early-season relief to the Forest Department. With further rain expected, the threat level is anticipated to decline even more.
Forest Department officials have confirmed that they remain on high alert despite the favorable weather. Immediate response teams have been activated, and all field officers have been instructed to stay prepared. Necessary precautions and measures were already implemented ahead of the fire season, including fire lines, awareness campaigns, and manpower deployment.
Vikram Singh, Director of the Uttarakhand Meteorological Department, shared that the forecast made earlier this month is holding true. “Rainfall has already begun in some areas, and more is expected in several districts, especially in the hilly regions,” he said.
Looking ahead, the Forest Department is hopeful that continued rainfall will significantly reduce the intensity and frequency of forest fire incidents this season. While the danger isn’t entirely over, the current weather pattern is a welcome development in what is usually a challenging time of year for Uttarakhand’s forests.
