LS members express concern over wild fires raging in Uttarakhand

New Delhi: Concern was voiced in the Lok Sabha over the vast forest fires in Uttarkhand and damage caused to the flora and fauna in the disaster which has been spreading for the past one week.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Saugata Roy (TMC) claimed that the fire was spreading to Himachal Pradesh and parts of the Jammu region, while 3000 hectares in the Corbett National Park has been destroyed.

He said the wild fire has also affected the Rajaji National Park.

Sharing his concern, Ramesh Pokhriyal (BJP) said the blaze has affected the habitat of the tiger and destroyed a large number of medicinal herbs and plants. He said the fire has been exacerbated by the dry weather.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh, however, said the government has been able to bring the situation under control.

"The situation is now totally under control after three NDRF teams were pressed into service along with the Airforce with MI-17 helicopters", he said, adding that some expert teams have also been sent to the area.

While members said that 8 persons have been killed, the Home Minister said during the interaction with the state administration, he has so far not been apprised of any deaths.