The fires broke out a month ago, but intensified in recent days with more than 400 burning simultaneously.
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They have not yet hit Himalayan tourist towns, but villagers say that smoke has affected air quality and visibility.
Officials say fires have been widespread this year because the forest is exceptionally dry due to low rainfall.
"This can be compared with the worst fire of 2012," said Environment and Forests Minister Prakash Javadekar.
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