Dharamsala Forest Fire News: Massive Forest Fire Near Paragliding Site in Dharamsala Raises Environmental Alarms

Dharamsala Forest Fire News: A massive forest fire broke out on Sunday night near the popular Indrunag temple, located just beneath the renowned paragliding site in Dharamsala. The blaze rapidly engulfed large portions of the forest, affecting hundreds of pine trees and triggering serious environmental concerns in the region, including nearby McLeodganj.

Locals and authorities confirmed that the fire raged uncontrollably throughout the night, fueled by dry grass and gusty winds. While the flames had subsided by Monday morning, thick smoke continued to rise from the affected areas, creating an eerie haze over the hillside towns.

Though no human casualties were reported, the possibility of wildlife losses remains high. Experts fear that numerous birds and wild animals could have perished in the flames, especially given the intensity and scale of the fire. The dense forest is home to various species, and the destruction could have a long-lasting impact on the local ecosystem.

Fire officer Karam Chand said their team reached the spot with fire tenders but was unable to climb the steep terrain where the fire originated. “Our main focus was to stop the fire from spreading into inhabited areas. Reaching the higher forest ranges was nearly impossible,” he explained.

The cause of the fire remains unclear, but local tourist guide Tarush Jamwal expressed suspicion about its origin. “This fire did not start naturally. It began from the top of the hill and spread downward. Someone might have done this intentionally,” he claimed.

Residents echoed similar concerns, emphasizing how the dry grass in the area acts like tinder, making it easy for fire to spread over large distances in a short time. Many expressed frustration over repeated fire incidents in the hills, especially during dry spells.

As the investigation into the fire’s cause continues, environmentalists are urging immediate measures to prevent such disasters in the future. Awareness, better surveillance, and swift response teams are being called for to protect the region’s fragile ecology, which is not only vital for biodiversity but also crucial for tourism in Dharamsala.