Shimla: A massive forest fire has broken out in the Delath and Nalaban forests near Nankhari in the Rampur subdivision of Shimla district, destroying several hectares of green cover and posing a threat to wildlife.
Local residents have expressed anger at the alleged inaction of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, claiming that officials are often absent when the forests are engulfed in flames. Villagers alleged that in some cases officials arrive only after the fire subsides, merely to complete formalities and take photographs.
The residents have appealed to the state government to intervene and tackle the situation on a war footing. They have demanded the formation of a special action team comprising government agencies, forest officials, local bodies and social organisations to control the fire and prevent further damage.
Villagers have also raised suspicions that the repeated forest fires in the area may not be natural and could be the result of human activities or mischief by anti-social elements. They have urged the government to conduct a fair investigation and take strict legal action against those responsible for damaging the environment.
