While the forest fires in Australia got the world’s attention, the on-going wildfires in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon and Garhwal region has been overshadowed by the COVID19 pandemic. With temperatures rising due to the onset of summer, wildfires have been breaking out in different regions of the state.
Around 21 wildfires have been reported from Kumaon region and 16 from Garhwal region. 9 other incidents of wildfire has been reported in reserve forest areas. The state has so far reported 46 wildfires with more than 50 hectares of forests getting gutted. The forest department has put the monetary loss at ₹1.32 lakh. Two people have lost their lives.
*Uttarakhand is Burning, 46 Wildfire Incidents in 2020, Around 51.34 Hectares, 71.05 Repository of Herbs And Wildlife Diversity Are Affected* pic.twitter.com/VZDTwIDJtG
— Rishabh Singh Rana (@RishabhRana161) May 26, 2020
The fire broke out in Uttarakhand forest. 46 wildfire incidents in 2020. More than half of birds species & wildlife are in danger. Our Uttarakhand is burning for the last 4 days. 2020 is getting worst. 😟#Uttarakhand #UttarakhandForestFire #wildlife pic.twitter.com/HuZZ7z3zyW
— Suman Bisht (@pahadi_suman) May 26, 2020