Controlling forest fire: CM orders deployment of secretaries in districts
Thursday, 09 MAY 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Perturbed by the forest fires raging in mountainous areas of the State, the chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has decided to deploy the secretaries in the field. The CM chaired a meeting held at the State secretariat to review the efforts being done to prevent forest fires; preparations of Char Dham Yatra and upcoming monsoon season, the CM said that the secretaries should be given responsibilities of different districts for monitoring and controlling forest fires. He said that public participation should be encouraged in controlling forest fires and added that he himself will participate in the activity of making fire lines in forests.
The officers of the forest department told the CM that 10 employees have been suspended for showing laxity in checking forest fires.
The CM directed the district magistrates to seek public participation in controlling fires and said that strict action should be taken against those involved in igniting fires. He tersely told the officers that response time to control fires should be reduced and an effective plan to collect Pine needles (Pirul) should be made. Pirul collection centres should be prepared and assistance of the cooperative department should be taken in this regard.
The CM also reviewed the preparation of the State administration for the Monsoon period. He said works such as unclogging the drains, dredging and channelization should be completed before onset of monsoon. The CM also directed that the construction and repair of flood protection wall should be completed and safety audit of all the old bridges should be done. He said that the health department should undertake an awareness campaign for dengue, malaria and other vector borne diseases before the start of monsoon. The rapid action team of the health department should remain in alert mode in view of disasters. The CM said that the departments should work with a pro- active approach to solve the issues of the people. He has said that the information network regarding Char Dham and weather should be strengthened. He directed the officers that all the arrangements regarding Char Dham Yatra should be made and it should be ensured that the weather updates and alerts are sent on the mobile phones of the pilgrims. The CM stressed on best use of technology in this regard.
The vice president of State infrastructure monitoring council Vishwas Dabar, chief secretary Radha Raturi, additional chief secretary Anand Bardhan, Principal Secretary R K Sudhanshu, Head of Forest Force Dhananjay Mohan, secretaries of different departments and other officers attended the meeting.
