The hills of North India are grappling with escalating forest fires, severely affecting communities, agriculture, and natural resources. A photograph of a young girl studying in the Uttarakhand hills has drawn nationwide attention, highlighting how hundreds of schoolchildren are forced to cover their eyes with damp cloths to combat the stinging effects of wildfire smoke. Tourists visiting the region have reported hazardous haze, drastically reduced visibility, and respiratory discomfort.

Forest fires across the regionForest fires have spread across several districts, including Almora, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi, Pauri, Nainital, and Mussoorie. The flames have engulfed both pine and oak forests above 1,800 metres. Strong winds have complicated firefighting efforts, and tourists are sharing images of smoke rising from scorched slopes.

Satellite images confirm multiple forest fires in Uttarakhand and neighbouring states Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Between February 15 and May 29, 2026, Uttarakhand recorded 476 forest fire incidents affecting 402.38 hectares. Himachal Pradesh........

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