Winter Wildfires Affect Uttarakhand and Kashmir Amid Reduced Snowfall and Dry Conditions

Uttarakhand and Kashmir are experiencing unusual winter wildfires, with significant fires reported in Uttarakhand's Valley of Flowers and Kashmir's Zabarwan Hills. Experts link these fires to reduced snowfall and rainfall, leading to dry vegetation and increased fire risk. Authorities have deployed firefighting teams and aerial support to contain the blazes, which threaten forest ecosystems and biodiversity, including protected areas like Nanda Devi National Park and Dachigam National Park. Climate variability and human factors are considered contributing causes.