Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 16: Massive forest fire has been reported from Trikuta hills of Katra Mata Vaishnodevi and forests along the Line of Control in Mendhar area of Poonch district.
Official sources said that massive forest fire which broke out during last night in Trikuta forests near Katra was spread in larger area today. Due to fire and spoke, the helicopter service to Mata Vaishnodevi shrine from base camp Katra was suspended today. The Forest and SDRF men were deployed to contain the fire but during late this evening, it had enveloped a large forest area. An alert was also sounded for the pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishnodevi shrine.
Meanwhile, massive forest fire near the LoC in Balnoi, Mankote and Balakote areas of Mendhar caused extensive damages to the green gold and wildlife. Due to fire, many land mines exploded creating tension along the villages near the Line of Control. The Army and Forest authorities sounded general alert in the adjoining hamlets and villages. The fire could not be controlled till late this evening.
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