Forest Fire Burns for Six Days Near Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand
Raging forest fire near Uttarakhand's Valley of Flowers enters sixth day.
A persistent forest fire has been burning for six consecutive days in the Pulna–Bhyundar forest range, immediately adjacent to the iconic Valley of Flowers National Park in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district. First detected on January 9, the blaze has already scorched approximately 15 hectares of dense woodland at an elevation exceeding 3,500 metres. Satellite imagery confirms the fire is located on a hill opposite the protected valley, with ground teams repeatedly unable to reach the core area due to extremely rugged terrain, sheer cliffs, and the constant hazard of falling rocks and debris.
Forest officials have described the site as one of the most inaccessible regions in the state, compounded by unusually dry conditions that have left dry grass, pine needles, and old oak remnants highly flammable in the absence of typical winter snow cover. Multiple attempts to establish control lines or extinguish the flames have been thwarted, including efforts to cross the turbulent Yamuna-Gangotri river. Local community members from the Mahila Mangal Dal assisted in reconstructing a permanent bridge on Monday to facilitate movement, yet operations continue to face severe logistical limitations.
In response to the escalating challenge, the Uttarakhand Forest Department has sought higher-level intervention. Aerial surveillance conducted on Tuesday evaluated the possibility of water-dropping operations, while a high-level meeting chaired by Principal Secretary (Forests) R K Sudhanshu reviewed emergency measures. Authorities are now preparing to deploy a helicopter from the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority for dousing attempts, with contingency plans to request Indian Air Force assistance if conditions demand it.
Also Read: Mild 3.5-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Uttarakhand’s Bageshwar; No Damage Reported
Disaster management officials have confirmed that the state administration is fully mobilized and has formally approached the IAF for potential support, given the fire's proximity to a globally renowned biodiversity hotspot. A critical helicopter survey is scheduled for Wednesday to further assess the fire's behaviour and the viability of aerial firefighting. Officials stressed that vigilance remains high to prevent burning logs from rolling downhill and igniting lower forest areas.
Authorities have categorically assured that the core Valley of Flowers National Park itself faces no immediate threat. The fire is situated approximately 7 km away by air and 22–25 km via the most difficult ground routes, separated by two major rivers—the Yamuna-Gangotri and Pushpavati—which serve as natural barriers. Officials maintain that the likelihood of the blaze crossing into the protected national park is effectively zero, allowing focus to remain on containment and eventual control through aerial means or favourable weather changes.
Also Read: Mining Vehicles Must Have GPS Devices, Rules Uttarakhand High Court
