CM directs forest personnel to work in tandem with villagers to control fires
Friday, 10 MAY 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed the officers and employees of the Forest department to work in coordination with villagers to control forest fires in the State. He was presiding over a review meeting with the officers of Forest, Peyajal and Power departments at the Uttarakhand Forestry Training Academy in Haldwani on Thursday. He instructed senior officials to remain in the field for effective control and prevention of forest fires and to maintain the morale of the employees. He said that the fire lines of the British era, which are still in existence, should be restored.
The CM also directed the personnel of the Forest department to maintain better coordination with the villagers. This will help to a great extent in reducing the impact of disaster and the villagers will also feel connected to their forests, he said.
Dhami said that although the Forest department is making efforts to deal with the incidents of forest fires, it should prepare an inclusive plan for the state so that the number of fires occurring every year can be minimised. In this regard, he laid emphasis on studying the models developed within the country as well as abroad and said that efforts should be made to include them in the plan of our state. The CM directed that the Forest department should focus on strengthening its organisational structure as well.
The chief conservator of forests PK Patro informed the CM that all fire watchers have been instructed to collect Pirul ( pine needles).
Dhami directed the road construction agencies to pay special attention to the quality in the construction of roads. He said that saplings should be planted along with the crash barriers on the roads. The CM also instructed the officers to ensure that people do not face drinking water problems during the summer season. He said that if the drinking water line is disrupted due to any reason, arrangements for supply of drinking water should be made by use of tankers.
The Nainital district magistrate Vandana Singh claimed that the incidents of forest fires this year are lesser in the district compared to the incidents of forest fire from February 2019 to May 2024.
Lalkuan MLA Mohan Bisht, DIG of Kumaon range Yogendra Rawat, SSP PN Meena and others were present in the meeting.
