Gangtok: A forest fire has been raging for the past two days in the high-altitude regions of Kupup and Thambi Dara along the Indo-China border in East Sikkim, an unusual occurrence.
Forest fires are common during the dry winter season in Sikkim. Situated at an altitude of around 13,000 feet, the area has sparse vegetation dominated by bushes rather than tall trees.
January is also typically marked by heavy snowfall in the region, but the absence of snowfall across much of the Himalayan belt this winter has significantly increased fire vulnerability.
The affected area falls within the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, a critical habitat and notified movement corridor for endangered species such as the snow leopard and the red panda, Sikkim’s state animal, along with several rare flora and fauna.
As of January 20, the fire remains uncontrolled due to strong, high-velocity winds. Firefighting efforts are further complicated by the presence of landmines in areas close to Doklam, which lies adjacent to Kupup village.
Officials estimate that the blaze has already affected approximately 11 to 12 hectares of forest land, including both sanctuary and reserve forest areas. The fire has spread across the left side of the valley and is advancing toward the right side, which falls under a restricted Army zone.
An earlier fire reported on January 18 near Thambi View Point along the historic Silk Route hairpin stretch was successfully brought under control by forest officials.
Udai Gurung, IFS, Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), attributed the fire to prolonged dry conditions and the lack of snowfall this season.
“The entire belt is extremely dry due to prolonged dryness and absence of snowfall. Preliminary assessments suggest around 11 to 12 hectares have been damaged so far. The presence of landmines is making fire control operations extremely challenging,” Gurung said.
He added that teams from the Forest Department, Army personnel, and local volunteers are jointly engaged in firefighting and damage assessment. Bushes and ground vegetation, including areas near the local golf course, have also caught fire.
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Authorities confirmed that there has been no loss of human life or damage to infrastructure so far. Fire suppression operations are continuing under high-risk conditions.
The Forest Department said it is yet to assess the full extent of damage to the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary and surrounding areas, as the fire continues to burn.
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