Chamoli: Forest fires in the Badrinath Forest Division of Chamoli district have been raging for the past five days, with no intervention from the forest department as its employees remain on strike. On Wednesday evening, villagers managed to contain the flames, but the fire reignited during the night, posing a threat to nearby settlements.
No Forest Department Response as Fires Continue
Over the past month, more than 10 wildfire incidents have been reported in Chamoli district. The Pindar Range of Badrinath Forest Division, particularly Takula and Jerud tok forests near Wan village, has been burning continuously. Locals, including Hira Singh Garhwali, Premram, Bharat Ram, Jagdish, Giriraj, Hema Devi, and Pushpa Devi, have been trying to control the fire themselves, as no official assistance has been provided.
According to Pindar Range Officer Manoj Dewrari, a forest team will be deployed to the rocky terrain on Friday morning, but villagers argue that the cause of the fire remains unknown. The flames have already destroyed forest resources worth lakhs, and the ongoing strike of forest workers has worsened the crisis.
Forest Officers’ Strike Poses a Major Challenge
With the fire season in Uttarakhand already underway, the situation is critical. Around 2,800 forest beat officers and guards across the state are on strike, demanding:
- Reinstatement of the Uttarakhand Subordinate Forest Service Rules-2016
- Timely promotions
- Amendment of uniform rules, allowing guards to wear a single-star insignia
Earlier, the forest personnel staged a week-long protest wearing black armbands, but they have now completely withdrawn from duties.
Government-Forest Workers Talks Expected
The strike has left Uttarakhand’s forests vulnerable, with no active firefighting response. Discussions between the government and forest employees are expected, but if no resolution is reached soon, the fire could further damage the ecosystem and wildlife.
