Shimla – A series of forest fires have been wreaking havoc across Himachal Pradesh, burning thousands of hectares of chil and kail jungles, including the areas surrounding Shimla city, for over a month.
The intense heat and drought conditions have exacerbated the situation, acting as igniting factors.
Despite the efforts of forest and police teams, fire mongers continue to torch the forests, either accidentally or deliberately.
The fires destroy the saplings of plants and vegetation and create pollution. The water sources are hit as the vegetation is destroyed that conserves water..
In the latest incident, a fierce fire broke out in the forests of Tara Devi.
Thanks to the quick response of the Shimla District Administration, 51 students from Haryana, who were staying at the Tara Devi Scout and Guide Training Center, were safely relocated to Government Senior Secondary School Shoghi late last night.
Deputy Commissioner Shimla Anupam Kashyap stated that fires have been reported in various parts of Shimla and its surroundings recently.
The swift actions of the district administration and several departments not only contained the blaze but also ensured the safe evacuation of the students from the training institute.
He credited the successful operation to Additional Superintendent of Police Ratna Negi, DFO Aneesh, the Principal of Shoghi School, and the employees of the Police, Fire, and Forest Departments. Under the supervision of Additional District Magistrate (Protocol) Jyoti Rana, Tehsildar Rural Rishabh Sharma ensured all basic facilities were provided to the relocated students at Shoghi school.
After ensuring their safety and comfort at the school, the students were sent to their destination this afternoon.
The ongoing forest fires have severely affected the districts of Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, Kangra, and Hamirpur, destroying vast forested areas and posing a continuous challenge for the authorities.
