Massive wildfires have gutted hectares of forest lands in India's northern Uttarakhand state.

The state has so far witnessed over 500 wildfire incidents, with 170 such occurrences in Nainital district.

Visuals showed fire burning down tress in the hilly region as thick smoke billowed from the forests.

Reports said at least 189 hectares of forest lands were gutted in Almora district, which endured 76 wildfire incidents, while 168 hectares of lands were razed in Nainital.

At least 32 wildfire incidents were reported in state capital Dehradun in the last 11 days.

Meanwhile, a team of experts have deemed the fire man made.

Vishal Singh, executive director of Dehradun-based Centre for Ecology Development and Research was quoted in a report as saying, "Wildfires in the Western Himalayan region are almost entirely man-made."

"Villagers and forest officials set land on fire to burn agricultural residue and for controlled burning of pine needles to encourage grass and fodder growth. The real problem arrives when such fires get out of hand,” the report added.

Locals too have alleged foul play, stating the occurrences as activities of miscreants.

Since its formation in 2000, the state has witnessed a massive jump in the percentage of wildfire cases. The same has incurred a loss of Rs 1.85 crore within this 19 years.