Sikkim: Forest fire rages for third day in high-altitude Kupup near Indo-China border

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A forest fire that broke out in the high-altitude Kupup region near the Indo-China border in east Sikkim continued for the third day on January 22, raising concern among authorities. While forest fires are common in Sikkim during the dry winter months, an outbreak at Kupup and nearby Thambi Dara is considered unusual due to the region’s altitude and typical winter snowfall.

Kupup is located at around 13,000 feet above sea level and is largely covered with bushes rather than tall trees. The area usually remains under snow in January. However, the absence of snowfall this winter has left the region dry and vulnerable to fire.

The affected area falls within the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a notified corridor for wildlife including the snow leopard, red panda and several other species of fauna and rare flora.

As of Thursday, the fire has not been fully brought under control due to strong winds. Officials estimate that around 11 to 12 hectares of forest land, including parts of the wildlife sanctuary and reserve forest, have been affected. Teams from the Forest Department, Army personnel and local volunteers are involved in firefighting and damage assessment.

Udai Gurung, Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), said prolonged dry conditions and the lack of snowfall have increased fire risk in the region.

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