Nainital wildfires: Photos of devastating Uttarakhand forest fires; no end in sight

Uttarakhand reels as forest infernos surge, 8 new blazes scorch 11.75 hectares of forests on Sunday, with Nainital facing imminent threat.

Eight new fire incidents scorch 11.75 hectares of forest land.
The Indian Air Force have contained fire near Lariyakta, 6km from Nainital, but multiple blazes persist across the state, mostly in Kumaon region.

IAF MI-17 helicopter contains blaze near Lariyakta in Nainital as forester officials warn of critical fires in the Maheskhan forest area, accentuating govt support for firefighting in key areas. Nainital fire station logs minor incidents in Betalghat and Shyamkhet, urging continuous vigilance amid escalating crisis.

"The traditional practice of burning forest floor in hope of stimulating new grass growth, spreading of fires due to agricultural residue burning near forest fringes are the top reasons for the fires in forests. Factors ranging from careless people partying close to the forest area and tossing lit cigarettes and bonfires are also contributing factors,” said Nishant Verma, nodal officer of forest fires and disaster management in Uttarakhand forest dept.

Lack of rainfall exacerbates forest fire issue in hills. Soil moisture depletion due to temperature rise in March-April. Nainital records 99% rain deficit this month. Key tourist destination received only 0.1mm, far below usual 33.2mm for April.

All six districts show over 90% rain deficit in April. Nainital, Bageshwar, Almora, Pithoragarh, Champawat, and Udham Singh Nagar affected.