A large forest fire has been burning for the past four days in the Bagtore LoC area of Gurez Valley in Bandipora, causing extensive destruction to multiple forest compartments and inflicting severe damage on an ecologically fragile region. The flames, intensified by prolonged dry weather and rugged terrain, have spread rapidly across kail and other high-value tree species, making the firefighting operation both urgent and difficult.
Personnel from the Fire and Forest Departments, along with local volunteers and the Indian Army, have been working continuously to contain the blaze. Crews on the ground are cutting fire lines, mobilising additional manpower, and deploying every available resource to prevent further spread. However, repeated flare-ups and limited access to the upper reaches continue to hamper progress, forcing responders to adapt strategies in real time.
Officials have positioned monitoring teams at critical locations to ensure the fire does not advance toward villages or enter major forest belts. The area, known for its rich biodiversity, has already suffered major ecological loss, with long-term effects expected on local flora and fauna.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire and evaluating the scale of destruction. Firefighting operations are still underway under harsh conditions as teams work to bring the situation under control.
