Srinagar, March 24 -- The alarming rise in forest fires in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is a stark reminder of the fragile balance between human activity and environmental sustainability. With 1,243 wildfires recorded so far in the 2024-25 period, affecting over 3,500 hectares, the trend is deeply concerning. Over the last three years, more than 7,000 hectares of precious forest land in J&K has been lost to wildfires. These fires not only devastate biodiversity but also contribute to climate change, disrupt water cycles, and threaten livelihoods. It is imperative that the government and public take immediate steps to prevent such disasters and mitigate their impact. Forest fires in J&K occur due to both natural and human-induced factors. Dry w...