Experts Warn of Intensifying Wildfires Amid Declining Rainfall
Srinagar, Feb 3, 2025 – Jammu and Kashmir is facing an alarming rise in forest fires, with experts attributing the crisis to climate change and a significant drop in precipitation. According to Global Forest Watch data, the region lost 112 hectares of natural forest in 2023 alone, releasing 68.8 kilotons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The trend has raised serious environmental and economic concerns, with forests drying up and wildfires becoming more frequent.
Climate Change and the Growing Threat
J&K’s vast green cover, which once spread across 1.15 million hectares (about 11% of its land area), is now at risk due to rising temperatures and decreasing snowfall. Experts highlight that between 2001 and 2023, nearly a quarter (23%) of all tree cover loss in the region was caused by forest fires. The most devastating year was 2004, when 240 hectares burned—accounting for 27% of that year’s total deforestation.
Rajouri district remains the worst affected, losing an average of 8 hectares of forest annually due to fire-related destruction. However, new data suggests that the problem is spreading. From February 5, 2024, to February 3, 2025, there were 117 high-confidence fire alerts recorded in J&K. In just one week (January 27–February 3, 2025), 73 fire alerts were issued, although none reached the highest emergency level.
Winter Fires Raise New Red Flags
Traditionally, J&K’s peak fire season runs from late March through early summer, lasting around 12 weeks. However, the increasing frequency of winter forest fires has alarmed environmentalists. “We expected reduced fire incidents after December due to expected snowfall and rainfall,” said Syed Ghulam Rasool Geelani, national secretary and state president of TUCC. “But we were shocked to see minimal precipitation, leading to even drier conditions in the forests.”
With reduced snowfall in higher altitudes and prolonged dry spells, the region’s forests have become highly flammable. This not only threatens the ecosystem but also puts rural communities at risk of displacement and loss of livelihood.
Human Negligence vs. Climate Impact
While climate change plays a significant role, human negligence is also a contributing factor. Forestry officials note that discarded cigarette butts, campfires, and wood-burning stoves often trigger wildfires. However, they emphasize that rising temperatures and dry conditions are making it harder to control these blazes.
“The developed world’s interference with natural ecosystems has disrupted global climate patterns,” Geelani added, drawing comparisons to wildfires in California. “We are now seeing the consequences in our forests.”
Authorities Struggle with Limited Resources
Despite their efforts, forestry officials admit that their firefighting resources remain inadequate. While traditional methods like creating firebreaks and clearing dry leaves are still in use, the department lacks advanced firefighting tools. “We are trying to incorporate technology, but field officers are often under-equipped,” Geelani said.
Green India Mission: A Community Response
In response to the crisis, the Green India Mission has intensified its afforestation efforts by engaging local communities. “We are involving panchayats and residents to help replant trees wherever possible,” Geelani explained. “Community participation is key to reversing deforestation.”
Call for Public Action
Geelani urged citizens to take an active role in conservation. “I appeal to students, lawyers, and professionals—everyone should contribute. The government can only do so much. The famous Chipko Movement showed us how people’s involvement can save forests. We need that spirit today.”
Uncertain Future as Weather Patterns Shift
As the climate crisis deepens, weather patterns in J&K continue to change unpredictably. The Meteorological Department (MeT) forecasts fresh snowfall in Kashmir’s southern districts on February 5, with moderate to heavy snowfall expected in higher reaches of Chenab Valley and the Pir Panjal Range.
However, J&K witnessed an 87% rainfall deficit in January 2025, receiving just 11.5 mm of precipitation instead of the usual 88.2 mm. Experts warn that if this trend continues, future fire seasons could be even more destructive.
For now, authorities are urging tourists, travelers, and transporters to follow official advisories as they monitor the impact of upcoming Western Disturbances. But the larger question remains: can J&K prevent its forests from turning into another wildfire hotspot, or will the region continue to burn?