In Uttarakhand, 930 incidents of forest fires have been reported in Garhwal and Kumaon regions over the past six months, affecting a total of 1,196 hectares of forest land. Of the total incidents, 491 occurred in Kumaon and 365 in the Garhwal region, so far.
Fires broke out in 20 places from Garhwal to Kumaon, burning over 52 hectares of forest area yesterday. Garhwal had the most incidents, with 10, while Kumaon had nine incidents. Air Force helicopters were deployed to extinguish fires in various parts of the Srinagar Assembly constituency in Pauri Garhwal. As a result, the forest fire was contained to a larger extent.
It is worth mentioning that the army’s assistance was also sought to extinguish fires in the forests of the Kumaon region. Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Radha Raturi said that the Gangster Act will now be applied to those who repeatedly set fire to the forests. Additionally, those who set fire will also be held accountable for the damage caused to forest property.
On the other hand, 4000 fire watchers have been deployed statewide, aided by other organizations, with nodal officers in every district.
