Forest Fire Along LoC Triggers Landmine Blasts; Kashmir Logged 310 Forest Fires in 2025
What are you doing? A forest fire raging for the second consecutive day along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district has led to a series of mine explosions, officials said on Tuesday. The fire, which broke out in Basooni forward area of Balakote sector on Monday afternoon, intensified overnight and spread to parts of adjoining Mendhar sector on Tuesday morning.
According to officials, nearly a dozen mines buried along the LoC exploded as the flames advanced through dry vegetation. These forward belts are heavily mined as part of the anti-infiltration barrier system designed to prevent cross-border militant movement. Expected explosions during intense fires in mined areas increased security concerns in the region.
Due to the increased possibility of infiltration attempts under the cover of fire and smoke, security forces have strengthened multi-layered deployment and intensified patrols in sensitive areas. Officials noted that such fires, whether natural or human-caused, can compromise surveillance systems and create temporary gaps in the obstacle grid, prompting increased caution.
Separately, official data shows that Kashmir Valley witnessed 310 forest fire incidents in 2025, affecting more than 880 hectares of forest area in multiple divisions. Although the figures reflect a decrease from the previous year, the extent of the damage is still serious.
A total of 880.77 hectares of forest area was affected. Sindh Forest Department reported the highest number of cases at 67, affecting 111.06 hectares. Kamraj Forest Division followed with 52 incidents causing damage to 67.90 hectares. While 37 fires affecting 60.25 hectares were recorded in Anantnag, 29 fires affecting 60.35 hectares were recorded in Bandipora, local news agency KNS quoted officials as saying.
Lidder Forest Division encountered 25 incidents but suffered a relatively larger loss of 110.95 hectares. Kulgam recorded the most damaged area (307.85 hectares) in the Valley with 22 incidents, making it the most severely affected section in terms of land loss.
Tangmarg and Kehmil units each reported 18 incidents causing damage to 36.05 hectares and 43.55 hectares respectively. The Joint Venture Forest Division recorded 16 incidents affecting 41.21 hectares. Awantipora witnessed nine incidents in which 30.70 hectares were damaged.
Shopian, Langate and Pir Panjal divisions each reported five incidents where losses ranged from 1.70 to 4.02 hectares, while the Urban Forest Division recorded the lowest figures; The two events affected just over 2 hectares.
Environmental experts say the data underlines the persistent pressure on Kashmir’s forest ecosystems. They argue that despite a marginal decline in incidents, overall vulnerability remains high, especially in areas such as Kulgam, Lidder and Sindh. Officials echoed this view, noting that episodic patterns point to the need for targeted interventions, improved early warning systems and faster response mechanisms to minimize future fire-related damage.
