With the forest fire season starting on February 15, the Uttarakhand Forest Department has issued an order banning leave for forest personnel, except in special cases. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dhananjay Mohan has directed all forest staff to remain on duty in their respective areas and actively work to prevent wildfires. Several new measures have been introduced this year to minimize forest fire incidents.
CM Dhami Issues Strict Directives to Control Forest Fires
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has instructed all departments to work in coordination to prevent forest fires. He emphasized learning from past incidents to formulate a more effective strategy this time. On Thursday, CM Dhami participated in a mock drill organized in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) at the State Emergency Operations Center. He directed officials to involve social organizations, NGOs, women’s self-help groups, youth committees, and forest panchayats in wildfire prevention efforts.
Sheetlakhet Model Declared an Ideal Approach
CM Dhami highlighted the Sheetlakhet model in Almora district as an ideal example for forest fire control. He stressed that local communities play a crucial role in forest conservation. Additionally, he ordered strict action against anti-social elements responsible for igniting fires.
Coordinated Strategy of Disaster Management and Forest Department
The meeting was attended by State Disaster Management Advisory Committee Vice President Vinay Kumar Ruhela, Principal Secretary R.K. Sudhanshu, Disaster Management & Rehabilitation Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman, IG Fire Mukhtar Mohsin, and NDMA Senior Consultant Aditya Kumar. Officials presented their preparedness plans and discussed measures to tackle forest fires effectively.
