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Water scarcity likely to follow forest fires in Uttarakhand

Speed News Desk | Updated on: 5 May 2016, 13:37 IST

The massive forest fires may deplete the groundwater table of Uttarakhand and cause severe water crisis in the hill states, scientists have warned.

People in the hills mostly rely on natural water sources, like streams and small ponds, for their daily needs.

According to a report in the Times of India, scientists have said that the Uttarakhand fores fire - which were first reported on 2 February - has burnt huge swathes of green cover, including bushes and plants, which hold the water and replenish the ground water, but now the water will just drain away.

According to the scientists, ash from the blaze has blocked the fissures through which water percolates - as a result of which the ground water will not be recharged.

According to officials, the massive fires have destroyed a total of 3,739 hectares of forests.

First published: 5 May 2016, 13:37 IST