Fire erupts in pine forests near Nagrota, locals in panic

A fire broke out in the pine-dominated forests near Rajiana village, close to Nagrota Bagwan town in Kangra district, triggering panic among residents in nearby habitations. According to local sources, the blaze started during the night and intensified into a full-fledged inferno by the morning.

By the time this report was filed, teams of the district administration and the Forest Department were on the ground, working to contain the fire. Trenches were being dug to prevent the blaze from spreading and fire engines were deployed to douse it. However, thick layers of dry pine needles carpeting the forest floor made firefighting efforts extremely challenging.

Pine forests in the Dharamsala region are a known hotspot for wildfires. Over the past few decades, the Forest Department has increasingly planted pine trees due to their high survival rate. Today, pine forests make up around 20 per cent of the total forest cover in the Dharamsala circle, spanning nearly 27,910 hectares.

However, the dominance of pine trees has brought ecological and management challenges. Pine trees are known for their allelopathic properties – they release biochemicals that inhibit the growth of other vegetation in their vicinity. As a result, these forests have minimal grass or undergrowth, leaving only flammable pine needles that accumulate in thick layers during the dry season.

This accumulation becomes a significant fire hazard, particularly during the hot summer months. Forest officials say that many of these fires are man-made – either caused accidentally or deliberately. In some cases, farmers set fire to pine forests in the hope that fresh grass will sprout after the monsoon, providing fodder for livestock.

“Dried pine needles are extremely combustible and just a spark is enough to ignite a fire,” a forest official said. “Even discarded cigarette butts or glass bottles can trigger a major fire.” The Forest Department repeatedly urges the public to avoid any action that may lead to forest fires. It is intensifying awareness campaigns in vulnerable areas.

Himachal Tribune