April 21, 2026 05:47 pm (IST)
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Centre deploys MI-17 choppers to douse flames in Uttarakhand forests
New Delhi, May 1 (IBNS): The Centre has now deployed two MI-17 helicopters to douse the forest fire that has been raging in Uttarakhand.
It has been reported that the pre-monsoon forest fire began as early as February and has engulfed 1900 hectares of forest land in 13 districts of Uttarakhand.
Authorities are finding it difficult to contain the fire which is being fanned by dry weather, high temperatures, and windy conditions.
According to latest media reports, six people have died in the fire.
Three teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed on Saturday in Pauri, Chamoli and Naini Tal in Uttarakhand to contain the forest fire.
It has also been reported that one of the worst hit areas are the state's wildlife reserves, with 198 hectares gutted in the Jim Corbett National Park, 70 hectares in Rajaji Tiger Reserve and 60 hectares in Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary. The National Highway to Badrinath had to be closed on Thursday as the local authorities were not being able to contain the fire.
Bittu Sehgal, conservationist and journalist, tweeted, "Forest fires are burning hotter and more frequently. But our government does not recognise this as part of our climate crisis."
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