Major fire in Kehmil, Langate divisions
Major fire in Kehmil, Langate divisions
4 November 2008
published by www.greaterkashmir.com
India — Scores of precious deodar and kail trees have been gutted in a major forest fire in Forest Compartment 28 and 30 of Kehmil division of Kupwara.
The fire which emanated overnight has spread to adjacent areas as strong winds blow in the area.
According to locals of the Manchatar Chowkibal, some 30 kilometers from Kupwara, flames were billowing during the intervening night of November 2 and 3 and on Tuesday morning it spread to a vast area damaging several trees.
Fire has engulfed a vast stretch, say the residents
A forest official who was supervising the fire control operations told Greater Kashmir over phone that we are making fire lines around the affected area to control it from spreading to other areas.:
Locals of Manchatar and Panzgam are helping us, he said.
Reports of forest fire in Magam forest beat of Langate forest division were received.
Conservator forest north circle said, We have devised fire fighting parties and fully equipped them.
When asked to comment about the timber smuggling in Kehmil, Kamraj and Langate forest divisions of Kupwara he said, It is local damage and not organized timber smuggling. We register cases on the basis of reports of concerned beat guards.
Meanwhile, the forest protection force has seized two vehicles.
According to FPF officials, a mobile vehicle with timber was seized at Vodhpora.
A case 1846/FPF/K06 has been registered under Forest act.
A 408 loaded vehicle with timber was yesterday seized at Chowkibal of Kehmil forest division.
