Sikkim’s Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary. Photo credit: Wikipedia Commons
A forest fire continued to rage inside Sikkim’s Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary along the Indo-China border at an altitude of 13,000 feet for the past two days, forest officials said on Thursday (January 22, 2026).
The fire, which broke out on January 20, has already affected nearly 12 hectares of forest land, conservator of forests (Wildlife) Udai Gurung said. He said the fire remained uncontrolled due to steep terrain, strong winds and restricted access in Army zones.
The official said prolonged dry weather and lack of snowfall had worsened the situation.
Teams from the fire and departments, Army and local volunteers were on the ground, he added.
The official said there was no loss of life or property so far as there were no houses, army bunkers or barracks in the area.
On January 18, a forest fire at Thambi Dara near Nathula was contained within a day of operations.
Published – January 22, 2026 07:51 pm IST
