The forest fire in Nainital has escalated to a critical level, posing a significant threat to residential areas. In response, boating in Naini Lake has been prohibited, and the Air Force's MI-17 helicopter is now in action, dousing the flames with water.

 The fire reached the High Court Colony in Nainital, and three people were arrested for starting a fire in the forest in Rudraprayag district. The Chief Minister has ordered administrators to coordinate with all departments to prevent further fires.

In a commendable display of unity, the forest department and army personnel have been working tirelessly over the past 24 hours to control the fire. A staggering 31 new forest fires have erupted in different areas, ravaging 33.34 hectares of forest. The fire has even encroached upon the Pines area, posing a direct threat to the High Court Colony and disrupting traffic. Helicopters are being deployed to extinguish operations and showcase the coordinated efforts to combat this crisis.

The fire has reached dangerously close to residential areas, but no damage has been reported so far. The district administration has banned boating in Naini Lake, and forest department personnel have been deployed to help extinguish the fire.

According to the latest report from the Forest Department, a staggering 26 incidents of forest fire have occurred in the Kumaon region and five in the Garhwal region in the past 24 hours, resulting in a significant economic loss of Rs 39,440. Since November 2020, a total of 575 incidents of forest fire have been recorded, causing extensive damage to 689.89 hectares of forest and an alarming economic loss of Rs 14,41,771, underscoring the devastating impact of these fires.

Three people were arrested and sent to jail for starting fires in two different forest areas in Jakholi, Rudraprayag. A sheep herder was caught red-handed and admitted to starting the fire to grow new grass for his goats.

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