PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
The Forest minister Subodh Uniyal distributed cheques of Rs 15,000 each to Forest Panchayats in Chakrata area of Dehradun district from disaster relief funds to enhance their capacity for fire prevention. He also announced incentives ranging from Rs 51,000 to Rs one lakh for those involved in firefighting to encourage fire prevention efforts.
A convention was held in Chirmiri Top, Chakrata to strengthen Forest Panchayats and address forest fire prevention and management. The event was organised by the district administration and Uniyal attended as the chief guest. Chakrata MLA Pritam Singh was also present. The convention focused on the rights and responsibilities of Forest Panchayats, along with training sessions on fire prevention. During the event, Uniyal emphasised the importance of forests as an economic resource for Uttarakhand and the need for community participation in protecting them. He also talked about the government initiatives to promote eco-tourism and herbal plantation-based employment in forest areas.
The Chakrata MLA also talked about the need for forest conservation to balance climate change and raised various regional issues with the forest minister. The Dehradun district magistrate Savin Bansal stated that 200 Forest Panchayats in Dehradun district have been activated for fire prevention. He recognised the role of local residents as first responders due to their knowledge of the region’s geography. He claimed that this initiative, being implemented for the first time in a district of Uttarakhand, will allow panchayats to hire fire watchers, establish fire lines and minimise fire incidents. He also mentioned the possibility of allocating additional funds if required.
