IFS association requests CM to reconsider action against senior officials in forest fire case
Monday, 17 JUNE 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The Indian Forest Service Association has submitted a memorandum to chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami requesting him to reconsider and withdraw the action taken against senior members of the association following the deaths of three forest workers and one Prantiya Rakshak Dal personnel while fighting a forest fire in Almora on June 13. Following the four deaths caused by forest fire in the Binsar wildlife sanctuary, Dhami had ordered the suspension of senior IFS officials.
According to the Uttarakhand IFS Association, four personnel had died and four were injured in the wildfire in Almora. Between November last year and June this year, there has been less than expected rain in the State which has resulted in dry conditions in the forests. This in turn has led to an unprecedented rise in incidents of forest fires. The Forest department with the help of the STate government, has been using all available resources to control the forest fires. The association further stated that the Supreme Court had also appreciated the efforts undertaken by the department consistently to control forest fires for the past four months. It stated that Uttarakhand is performing better compared to its neighbouring States when it comes to controlling forest fires.
It will be recalled that a day after the incident, the CM had ordered that chief conservator of forests (Kumaon) PK Patro will be attached with immediate effect to the office of the head of forest force (HoFF) in Dehradun. Northern Kumaon (Almora) conservator of forests Koko Rose and Almora Civil Soyam divisional forest officer in-charge Dhruv Singh Martoliya were suspended with immediate effect.
Expressing deep grief at the deaths, the CM had said that he had clarified to officials in the past that they should discharge their responsibilities properly and that any carelessness will not be tolerated. The officials concerned have been directed repeatedly to become active in the field, Dhami had said.
