A severe wildfire has spread across vast forest areas in India’s northern state of Uttarakhand, triggering an emergency situation near the world-renowned Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO-listed site located within the Nanda Devi National Park.
The fires, which broke out in early January, have continued to burn for days across remote and mountainous terrain, causing extensive damage to forest cover. In response, authorities have launched both ground and aerial firefighting operations, with the Indian Air Force assisting by deploying helicopters to drop water and fire-retardant materials over inaccessible areas.
Despite swift action by the state forest department, efforts to contain the blaze have been hampered by steep slopes, dense vegetation, and limited access routes. Forest officials and meteorologists attribute the severity of the fires primarily to unusually dry weather conditions.
The situation has been exacerbated by an almost complete absence of snowfall and minimal rainfall in higher-altitude regions this year. Normally, winter snowfall helps retain moisture in forest ecosystems, significantly reducing the risk of fires. However, the lack of snow has left dry grass, fallen leaves, and shrubs highly flammable, allowing even small sparks to ignite large-scale fires.
According to data from the Forest Survey of India, more than 1,600 winter wildfire alerts have been issued in Uttarakhand since November 1— the highest number recorded by any Indian state during this season. Officials warn that the dry forest floor has turned vast stretches of woodland into tinderboxes.
Authorities have confirmed that many of the affected areas are extremely difficult to reach on foot, prompting the decision to intensify aerial firefighting operations. Officials also cautioned that climate change could lead to longer and more destructive wildfire seasons in the future.
Experts stress that without stronger preventive measures—including early preparedness, active involvement of local communities, and improved forest management—the risk of more devastating fires will continue to grow.
Sources: Hindustan Times, India Today