The Kurseong Forest Division has intensified preventive measures, beginning large-scale fire lining operations in vulnerable zones after a wildfire broke out in Sikkim.
Fire lining began last Thursday in the Dowhill area of Kurseong. Dry leaves lying near forested areas have been cleared. In some locations, accumulated leaves are being collected and burnt in a controlled manner to reduce combustible material. Forest workers are being mobilised and trained to respond swiftly to outbreaks.
Also Read | International Mother Language Day: What are India's most unknown languages still spoken today?
Firefighting equipment has been distributed amongst the frontline staff. During active fires, personnel often face severe breathing difficulties due to dense smoke. To address this occupational hazard, special protective clothing has been provided.
Control room and emergency helpline activated
Forest workers have been instructed to patrol every section of the forest daily. A control room has been set up, and a dedicated telephone number, 0353-2250453, has been issued. Residents living in forest villages or adjacent areas have been requested to immediately inform authorities if they spot any signs of fire.
Kurseong Divisional Forest Officer Debesh Pandey stated that late-winter forest fires are extremely dangerous. According to him, such fires not only destroy trees but also threaten wildlife and forest biodiversity, including insects whose survival becomes uncertain. He emphasised that comprehensive precautionary steps are being implemented.
High alert across Darjeeling and Kalimpong
According to forest department sources, instructions have been issued to all forest ranges in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. Preventive measures are underway in Neora Valley National Park, Kalimpong forest areas, Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, Singalila National Park and Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. Authorities have also instructed officials to burn dry leaf accumulation under large trees in a controlled way to prevent uncontrolled spread.
While Sikkim is facing forest fires this year, Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts experienced similar conditions last year. Smoke from spreading fires had severely affected residents of Siliguri, especially during evening hours, triggering breathing problems among elderly citizens. Lack of rainfall was a major contributing factor.
Also Read | 'Maoist threat nearing end': Amit Shah sets March 31 deadline
Prolonged dry spell raises alarm
This year’s situation is considered more serious. Sikkim and the two hill districts of North Bengal have reportedly not received rain since last November. Stream water levels are falling, creating drinking water shortages in hill settlements. Alongside this crisis looms the persistent threat of forest fires.
Renovation work on the stream has begun under the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration. Himalayan Nature and Adventure Foundation Coordinator Animesh Basu stated that fire lining remains the most effective method to prevent forest fires. He warned that after recent incidents in Sikkim, forest personnel across Darjeeling and Kalimpong must be rapidly deployed to strengthen preventive action.
