Uttarakhand: Preparations to tackle forest fire, DFO deployed in the field, PCCF officers given responsibility of districts
Along with the heat in Uttarakhand, incidents of forest fires have also started coming to the fore. To deal with this challenge, the forest department of the state has come into full alert mode. Giving information to the media, Uttarakhand Chief Wildlife Warden Ranjan Mishra said that a comprehensive action plan has been prepared to deal with forest fires. Which has been implemented in all the districts as SOP (Standard Operating Procedure).
Ranjan Mishra said that not only the forest department, various departments of the state have also been added for active participation in this campaign. The resources and facilities of these departments are also being used. So that in any emergency, the fire can be controlled in time.
Awareness and participation at the local level
The participation of rural and local people has also been considered important to deal with forest fires. Awareness campaigns are being run in every village. So that people can be aware of the causes of forest fires and its ill effects. Under these campaigns, it is being told how small negligence can cause big losses.
Special instructions to DFO and Conservator
Mishra said that all Divisional Forest Officers (DFO) and Conservators have been independently instructed to remain alert in the area and go to the field to evaluate the situation. They have been asked to find effective solutions to the daily fire alerts immediately. So that the fire can be controlled before it spreads.
District-to-district monitoring at PCCF level
This time, under a special strategy, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) level officers have been given the responsibility of different districts. These officers have been assigned the task of going to their respective districts and taking stock of fire fighting equipment, budget status, availability of resources, functioning of wireless system, fuel storage to deployment of fire watchers.
Preparation for fire control with water and technology
A framework has also been made to extinguish forest fires, from arranging water in large vehicles to providing technical assistance in remote areas. This time the department does not want to be negligent in any way and vigilance is being maintained at every level.
A new model of employment will be linked to Pirul management
Ranjan Mishra said that the biggest reason for forest fires in Uttarakhand is Pirul (dry pine leaves). This time the forest department has decided that Pirul will be removed from the forest and products will be made from it. Such as briquettes. Which can be used as fuel.
For this, villagers are being encouraged to collect Pirul. The state government has fixed a rate of Rs 10 per kg for this. Which is being transferred directly to the bank accounts of the villagers. On one hand, this will control forest fires and on the other hand, villagers will also get employment opportunities. With this coordinated effort, not only the forests of Uttarakhand will be saved from fire. But the rural economy will also get a new support.
