From Poonch, forest fire spreads to Rajouri
From Poonch, forest fire spreads to Rajouri
23 May 2009
published by www.kashmirwatch.com
India — After gripping Mankote and Balakote sectors near line of Control near Poonch district, the forest fire has spread to the neighboring Rajouri district on Friday night.
Reports reaching Press Bureau of India said that the fire that emerged from Balnoi forest compartment number 136 and 137 in Mankote sector of Poonch district on Wednesday night spread to the neighboring Rajouri district of the region on Friday night.
Sources said that the precious wild life and hundreds of trees have been destroyed in the forest areas of Trakundi, Datote and Tanga Gali near zero line of Poonch district in Balakote sector during the last two days.
Sources said that due to winds the fire spread to the dense forests in the neighboring Rajouri district last night.
At least sixteen kilometers of forest area have caught fire, sources told Press Bureau of India.
The [Indian] Army, Forest protection forces (FPF) and fire fighters are taking war foot measures to prevent fire from spreading further, they added.
Deputy Commissioner, Poonch, Mohammad Afzal Bhat told Press Bureau of India that the forest and fire services department were trying their best to control the fire. However, Bhat said that no major damage has been caused by the ground fire.
Administration is closely assessing the situation. Firefighters and forest department were trying their best to control the fire, Bhat said.
We are hopeful that by evening well control the fire, he added.
