KUPWARA, JULY 29: A massive forest fire that erupted in Kashmir Valley’s Kamraj forest division of Kupwara district has been successfully contained after continuous fire fighting operations by forest protection force (FPF) personnel and locals.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kamraj, Anurag Arya, IFS, stated that nearly 90% of the fire has been extinguished due to the combined efforts of frontline staff, FPF officials, and local residents.
In Kupwara’s Kamraj forest division, there were incidents of fire at four locations, but the major fire in the NH 81 block was brought under control after five days, he added.
Last week, a person was booked for igniting a forest fire in the Kalaroose area, and an FIR was lodged against him.
Significantly, this has been the first such action where a person has been booked for setting the forests on fire.
Arya warned that strict action will be taken against those who cause damage to forests through such or any other activity.