The forest fires raging in India’s Himalayas came dangerously close to the historic Kalka-Shimla railway, a UNESCO World Heritage attraction in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh.
While major fires had been reported from the neighbouring state of Uttarakhand until now, Himachal Pradesh too has witnessed blazes sweeping through the pine forests along its hills in the last few days. Over 550 fires have been reported from the state so far.
The local government has called these fires a regular phenomenon, but admitted that they could be spreading more rapidly this year due to high temperatures and low rainfall. The authorities are tracking the fires through satellites.
Started in 1898, the colonial-era railway Kalka-Shimla track is lined with small stations and runs along a 96-km picturesque and winding route along the hills, passing through 103 tunnels. According to reports, the train have been delayed for the last couple of days due to fires near the track. There was also a fire near the 169-year-old Lawrence School in the area.