January 08, 2025 08:40 pm (IST)
Centre deploys MI-17 choppers to douse flames in Uttarakhand forests
New Delhi, May 1 (IBNS): The Centre has now deployed two MI-17 helicopters to douse the forest fire that has been raging in Uttarakhand.
It has been reported that the pre-monsoon forest fire began as early as February and has engulfed 1900 hectares of forest land in 13 districts of Uttarakhand.
Authorities are finding it difficult to contain the fire which is being fanned by dry weather, high temperatures, and windy conditions.
According to latest media reports, six people have died in the fire.
Three teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed on Saturday in Pauri, Chamoli and Naini Tal in Uttarakhand to contain the forest fire.
It has also been reported that one of the worst hit areas are the state's wildlife reserves, with 198 hectares gutted in the Jim Corbett National Park, 70 hectares in Rajaji Tiger Reserve and 60 hectares in Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary. The National Highway to Badrinath had to be closed on Thursday as the local authorities were not being able to contain the fire.
Bittu Sehgal, conservationist and journalist, tweeted, "Forest fires are burning hotter and more frequently. But our government does not recognise this as part of our climate crisis."
Support Our Journalism
We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism
IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.
Support objective journalism for a small contribution.
Latest Headlines
Thank You Didi, writes Arvind Kejriwal on X after TMC backs AAP for Delhi Assembly polls
Wed, Jan 08 2025
India extends ex-Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's visa: Reports
Wed, Jan 08 2025
India hands over High Impact Community Development Project to Nepal
Wed, Jan 08 2025
Ajit Doval, Raja Dato discuss bilateral cooperation during India-Malaysia Security Dialogue
Wed, Jan 08 2025
Sheesh Mahal row: AAP leaders who were denied entry into CM's residence turn towards PM's house
Wed, Jan 08 2025
One body recovered from Assam coal mine inundated with water, 8 others still trapped
Wed, Jan 08 2025
Centre announces memorial for Pranab Mukherjee, his daughter thanks PM Modi for 'gracious gesture'
Tue, Jan 07 2025
Amit Shah launches BHARATPOL that can usher new era in India's international investigation
Tue, Jan 07 2025
Arvind Kejriwal launches AAP's campaign song for Delhi elections
Tue, Jan 07 2025