In a devastating incident in Uttarakhand’s Almora district, three labourers lost their lives while attempting to douse a forest fire near their pine resin factory. The blaze had dangerously approached their workplace, leading to fatal burn injuries for the workers. Another labourer sustained injuries and is currently undergoing treatment.
The victims, all hailing from Nepal, were not part of the designated firefighting teams but bravely engaged in efforts to control the fire in the Gananath range of Almora forest division. Despite their efforts and subsequent medical attention at the base hospital in Almora, the three labourers succumbed to their injuries.
The forest department’s daily bulletin highlighted the grim situation, reporting 64 new forest fire incidents across the state within 24 hours. These fires have ravaged approximately 74.67 hectares of forest land, adding to the toll of destruction since November last year, which now stands at over 1,000 hectares.
The aftermath of the forest fires has not only resulted in tragic loss of life but has also brought about environmental challenges. Nainital, a popular tourist destination, is now enveloped in smog due to the raging fires. This smog has led to concerns about rising air pollution levels, particularly impacting residents with respiratory ailments such as asthma and bronchitis.
Doctors have cautioned against the health risks posed by the smog, emphasizing the importance of taking preventive measures. Dr. MS Dugtal, a senior physician, highlighted the potential exacerbation of respiratory issues in vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. He advised residents to use air purifiers indoors, wear face masks when outdoors, and adhere to their medication routines to mitigate health risks.
Sources By Agencies
