Srinagar, April 5 -- During the last few weeks there has been a sudden surge in forest fires which is unusual, especially in the month of March or April. These incidents take place in dry weather, usually in autumn or early winter, when there is no snowfall or rains in the forest areas. People involved in charcoal-making during fall were earlier blamed for causing forest fires, but this trend has changed now.

Now, the picnic-goers and local youth are alleged sparkplugs. Some deliberately cause fire for sadistic pleasure, while others torch campfires, cook and roast meat in the forest for fun. Their recklessness damages our green gold.

Most of these wildfires are grounded-consuming only grass and bushes. This was, in fact, Forest Ministe...