Uttarakhand forest fires claim fourth life, disrupts helicopter service and flight arrivals
Uttarakhand, leading to the loss of lives and disruption of essential services. A 28-year-old woman became the latest victim, marking the fourth casualty in the past three days. This unfortunate incident coincides with the suspension of the Adi Kailash helicopter darshan service for the second consecutive day. Additionally, flight arrivals at the Naini-Saini airport in Pithoragarh have been halted due to poor visibility caused by the fire-induced haze.
The situation turned dire for pilgrims at the Dunagiri temple in the Almora district. A fire broke out, forcing pilgrims to flee as flames engulfed the passage to the shrine, which is adorned with bells. Videos captured the chaotic scene as pilgrims scrambled for safety, with flames seemingly in pursuit. Forest officials attributed the rapid spread of the fire to strong winds, which transformed it into a «crown fire.» Fortunately, prompt action by priests and the forest department ensured the safe evacuation of pilgrims, preventing any casualties.
Locals have expressed grave concerns over the fires, noting that ash dust covers everything, making breathing difficult. Reports of rockfalls and landslides along the road from Haldwani have also surfaced, further exacerbating the situation. Residents of Mukteshwar described the scenes as apocalyptic, with hills ablaze at night and thick smoke obscuring visibility during the day.
The wildfires have also impacted agricultural activities, with a large kiwi orchard in Chamoli district being engulfed by the blaze. Forest
