Some succour for U’Khand, but residents pray for more showers

A much-awaited spell of rains lashed most parts of Uttarakhand, which is battered by raging forest fires, on Tuesday night. The authorities concerned heaved a sigh of relief, saying that the showers had supplemented the firefighting operations in a big way, even as the toll in the blazing forest fires rose to seven.

On Tuesday night, light to moderate rains were witnessed in higher reaches of the mountains, which also swept the plains, said MeT department director Vikram Singh.  “It is going to supplement the ongoing firefighting operations as it will settle the plumes of smoke rising from blazing forests, which has reduced visibility. Besides, the showers will moisturise the woods, which is likely to bring down the number of fresh fire incidents,” the MeT director said.

Additional chief secretary S Ramaswamy said, “In this season, 1,681 incidents of forest inferno have been reported in the state. Nearly 3,739 hectares of forest area has been ravaged by the fires.”

The rains have infused hope among residents that the flames would soon be doused. However, they are keeping their fingers crossed and praying to the rain god for more showers so that the blazing forest fires, which have led to the formation of a thick layer of smog in the hill state, are doused.

Many forests in the state are still in the grip of fire.  

 A major inferno started in many forests of Uttarakhand over a week ago, which even attracted the Centre’s attention. Army, IAF and NDRF teams were rushed to carry out rescue and relief operations in the state.

Though the MeT department maintains that rains have helped douse the forest fires considerably, residents claim that there is no sign of abating. On Wednesday, the forest in Babudham near Ranikhet was destroyed by the flames. The forest team, including home-guards, with the help of locals tried their best to douse the blaze, but in vain. According to sources, a large part of the forest -- which is home to pine and deodar trees -- was gutted. The fire-line in Ranikhet became gigantic by the evening.      

“Ninety incidents of forest inferno have been reported. However, no causalty was reported on May 4. The rescue team has controlled the situation at 76 places, while the firefighting team is trying to douse the blaze at 14 places,” said chief secretary Shatrughna Singh.

He added, “MI-17 copters were not used in the firefighting operations today. But if the need arises, the IAF’s helicopters are ready to fly to disaster-hit sites. The state government is mulling on a long-term plan to douse the forest inferno. We are taking the guidance of experts to control the alarming situation.”