Dehradun, May 22: Forest fires continue to rage across Uttarakhand, gutting down nearly 70 hectares of the state's green cover. A total of 57 blazes - both small and big - were reported over the past three days.

The fires erupted in the forest region of both Garhwal and Kumaon divisions, said BP Gupta, Chief Conservator of Forests in Uttarakhand. The economic loss caused due to the forest fires amounts to nearly Rs 3.5 lakh, he added.

While speaking to reporters, Gupta confirmed that 69.71 hectares of forest area was burnt down as per the estimates recorded on Saturday and Sunday. The loss of forest cover caused on Monday was not gauged yet, he said. Notably, the forest fire is yet to controlled.

Although blazes are common in this region during the summer due to the soaring temperatures, the fresh spell of forest fires is a man-made calamity, the official said. "The main cause of the fires was negligence on part of people who had lit a fire in or near the forest area," Gupta told TOI, adding that no injuries or casualties were reported so far. 

Among areas affected by the forest fires include the districts of Almora, Haridwar, Haldwani, Uttarkashi and Bageshwar. In Uttarkashi, the district administration has recorded the loss of 9 hectares of forest cover on Monday.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 22, 2018 05:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).