Fire breaks out in forest area in Doda district

A fire broke out in a forest area near Gandoh Bhalessa village in Doda district on Monday, officials said. Conservator Forest Chenab Circle Doda, Sandeep Singh, said Forest Department officials had been deployed to douse the fire.

“We have dispatched Forest Department teams from the Gandoh and Cheralla divisions, along with Forest Protection Forces, to douse the fire. Despite the challenging terrain, officials are working tirelessly to extinguish the fire,” he said. “The rugged terrain has made it difficult for employees to access the area and combat the fire. Efforts are underway to bring the fire under control within the next two to three hours,” he said.

“The Forest Department is doing its best to control the fire and prevent further damage,” he added.