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High-Altitude Wildfire Breaks Out in East Sikkim’s Pangolakha Sanctuary
Forest fires have been raging for two days in Kupup village, East Sikkim, near the China border. The presence of landmines in the Doklam region is making extinguishing the fire extremely difficult. In dry weather without snowfall, the fire has spread at an altitude of 13,000 feet, affecting the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary.
There is a forest fire that has been burning continuously over the last two days in Kupup village, East Sikkim, near the China border. This place is near the Doklam area, which consists of landmine areas for security purposes. It is a matter of relief that no one has been killed or any buildings damaged so far.
Wildfires are quite common in Sikkim during winters, but at such an altitude, it is extremely rare. Kupup is situated at an altitude of around 13,000 feet, where mostly shrubs are found, replacing trees. January normally experiences a thick layer of snow, but this year, the Himalayan region has been devoid of snow, resulting in extremely dry conditions.
This area is part of the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, a natural habitat for snow leopards, red pandas, and numerous rare flora and fauna. The fire is also impacting this protected wildlife sanctuary.
