Saturday, 09 April 2022 | PNS | Dehradun
The State’s Tourism, Public Works, Panchayati Raj and Irrigation minister Satpal Maharaj has appealed to the local villagers to help the government in efforts to control forest fires in the reserved forest areas of Garhwal and Kumaon regions.
Considering the damage caused to many hectares of forest land from seven incidents of forest fires in Garhwal region and eight incidents in Kumaon region so far, the minister directed officials of the Forest department to do the needful while also requested the local villagers to help the government in its efforts to control the forest fires. He said that they should attempt to check the spread of forest fires.
While undertaking his tour of the Garhwal region, the cabinet minister has told the departmental officials to make concrete arrangements to control the forest fires raging in various locations. He also appealed to the local villagers along with Mahila Mangal Dals and self help groups to cooperate with the government in efforts to tackle the forest fires so that precious forest wealth and herbs can be protected from the same. The minister said that the local villagers and travelers have an important role in protecting the forests from fires. Stating that it is not possible to stop forest fires from spreading without the involvement of the local villagers and travelers, Maharaj appealed to them to come forward and assist the department in the task.
It is pertinent to mention here that with temperatures steadily rising and dry conditions, the incidents of forest fires have also been increasing in various parts of the state. Officials have repeatedly stated that apart from the departmental efforts, the role of the public is vital as most of the forest fires are deliberately or unintentionally sparked off by some people.
