The large-scale outbreak of forest diseases in the hills is causing concern to the environmentalists, who fear that the process, if not checked, could spell doom for the fast depleting forest resources which are already under strain due to increasing pressure of population. Until recently forest diseases were virtually unknown in the Himalayan region, particularly, Himachal Pradesh. However, over the past five years a number of diseases have been reported in the region giving sleepless nights to the foresters. Their concern is understandable as the state Forest Department does not have the necessary infrastructure to detect and manage such diseases.