The environment and forests ministry has asked Uttarakhand for a report on the damage caused to forests and wildlife by the floods. “We have asked both the Uttarakhand government and Forest Survey of India to assess damage that may have been caused to forests due to massive flooding. FSI has also been asked to use its remote sensing technology to assess the extent of the damage and how much forest cover and agricultural land may have been washed away,” and official in the ministry said. Preliminary assessments show that floods and landslides have wiped out 100 hectares of forests. Though loss to wildlife in the biodiversity-rich state has not been assessed, sources said the ministry believes most wild animals would have survived. The Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary has also not reported any casualties of the endangered animal far, principal chief conservator of forests R B S Rawat told The Indian Express. Rawat confirmed that the central government has asked for an assessment report. “We have been asked to give an assessment. Initial assessments by the Forest Survey of India indicate that about 100 hectares of forest area may have been washed away. Several forest department properties, guest houses, nurseries, forest paths, culverts have also been damaged,” he said. “A more accurate assessment will be conducted only after road connectivity is restored.” Forest Guard Dhoom Singh Kathait lost his life while trying to save some pilgrims at Rambada, Rawat said. As far the wildlife, “I have not sighted or received report of a single wild animal found dead or floating in the water”, Rawat said. “There is no question of larger wild animals being swept away or being buried under debris. But smaller animals and reptiles are sure to have suffered. In the musk deer sanctuary also, there have been no adverse reports as the deer are very agile and can jump away to high reaches. We will wait for more comprehensive assessments when the situation improves.”