PNS | DEHRADUN
The Dehradun district magistrate Savin Bansal will soon organise a convention for Van Panchayats to strengthen their role in preventing forest fires in the district ahead the arrival of summer. He also instructed the sub divisional magistrates (SDMs) to coordinate with divisional forest officers (DFOs) to obtain necessary records and ensure that Van Panchayat members are informed about their rights and sources of income.
He directed them that Van Panchayats should be constituted at the earliest after which a convention will be organised involving all Van Panchayats in the district. Bansal said that the objective is to discuss their roles, responsibilities and financial aspects. The administration will oversee the process to ensure that all Panchayat members are aware of their rights and responsibilities. The SDMs have been directed to facilitate this process by working with the Forest department, he said. “The convention will serve as a platform for discussing various aspects of forest management, including revenue generation and sustainable use of forest resources. Steps are being taken to implement policies that address environmental concerns and involve local communities in forest management,” he said.
Addressing concerns about garbage accumulation in forest areas that can also lead to potential forest fires, the DM said that he has instructed the authorities concerned to take action against waste buildup. The accumulation of garbage poses a risk of forest fires, particularly during the summer months. The bodies concerned have been directed to ensure proper waste disposal and management in these areas, Bansal said.
