Shah Basit
Sonamarg, June 12: A major forest fire that broke out in the picturesque Sonamarg area has been largely brought under control, with approximately 90% of the blaze successfully doused, officials said on Thursday.
The coordinated efforts of the Forest Protection Force, the Forest Department, and the Soil and Water Conservation Department played a crucial role in containing the fire, which had threatened to damage large tracts of green cover in the region known for its ecological richness and tourism appeal.
Forest Protection Force officer said, manual efforts were combined with modern firefighting tools to restrict the fire’s spread. The operation, which spanned from yesterday, faced challenges due to dry weather and difficult terrain.
He said, “Thanks to the joint and timely intervention of all departments, we have managed to control around 90% of the fire. Remaining hotspots are being monitored closely to prevent re-ignition.”
Local residents, environmentalists, and tourism stakeholders have expressed relief and praised the firefighting teams for their swift response. There have been no reports of human casualties or significant damage to residential areas, but officials are assessing the environmental impact.
Authorities have urged locals and tourists to remain vigilant and report any signs of smoke or fire, especially given the prevailing dry conditions.
