Forest officials reported that the fires in Marora and Khanana civil areas of the Narendranagar forest division’s Maniknath range have been completely extinguished. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, after reviewing the situation in the Kumaon region on Saturday night, stated that the forest blaze in Nainital and adjoining areas is gradually being brought under control following the deployment of an IAF Mi-17 V5 helicopter for firefighting operations.
In addition to the IAF helicopter and Army personnel, Prantiya Rakshak Dal volunteers and homeguard personnel have been enlisted to assist in the firefighting operations, according to Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat. Additional government vehicles have been provided to rush firefighting teams to the affected areas, and help from locals and forest panchayat officials is also being sought.
Raising awareness through loudspeakers
Garhwal DFO Anirudh Swapnil informed reporters in Pauri that forest department personnel are raising awareness about forest fires by going from village to village in the hills, using loudspeakers to spread messages. People are being urged to report any forest blaze immediately to the authorities.
Moreoever, residents have been informed to refrain from burning garbage in the open or carelessly discarding burning cigarette butts or bidis in forest areas. Legal action under the Forest Act 1927 will be taken against anyone caught setting fire to the jungles.
Forest fire in Nainital
Leaves of forest officials canceled
CM Dhami has canceled the leaves of forest department officials until the fire situation is completely under control, with leave applications being considered only in case of medical emergencies.
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The IAF helicopter collected water from the Naini and Bhimtal lakes in a Bambi bucket, which can hold up to 5,000 liters of water at a time, and poured it over the burning forests of various areas.
On Friday, 31 fresh incidents of forest fire were reported from various parts of the state, destroying 33.34 hectares of forest land. The fire that broke out near Nainital took a horrific form, posing a threat to the residents of High Court Colony and affecting traffic movement in the area.
