By Arun Pratap Singh
Dehradun, 28 Apr: As Uttarakhand gears up for the Char Dham Yatra set to begin from 30 April, the Forest Department has claimed that it has formulated a comprehensive action plan to ensure the safety of both devotees and the region’s forests. The department officials also claim that special monitoring systems have been established along the pilgrimage routes, complemented by public awareness initiatives aimed at forest conservation.
Officials shared that dedicated personnel will be deployed along the travel corridors, remaining vigilant throughout the Yatra season to mitigate fire hazards and facilitate a secure journey for devotees.
Taking cognisance of the increasing threat of forest fires, the Forest Department claims to have taken proactive measures by directing the formation of Quick Response Teams (QRTs) every 20 kilometres along the Yatra route. Each station would be equipped with additional fire watchers alongside regular personnel, ensuring mobile crew operations are active around the clock. The model crew stations along the Char Dham routes would be reinforced with adequate resources and trained personnel to act swiftly in case of any fire emergencies.
Besides this, the forest department has also issued strict orders prohibiting burning of Aada—comprising weeds, dry leaves, and bushes, on agricultural lands near pilgrimage routes. In collaboration with hotel owners, dhaba operators, and local shopkeepers, forest officials would also conduct awareness drives, educating stakeholders about fire hazards and preventive measures. The helpline number 1926 is being widely promoted to encourage swift reporting of fire-related incidents.
It may be pertinent to remind here that with temperatures steadily climbing across the state, forest fire incidents are being reported more frequently. So far more than 112 incidents of forest fires have already been reported in the past two days with a total of more than 30 hectares of forest land getting affected. While preparations for fire management were completed before the onset of the fire season, separate arrangements have now been prioritised along pilgrimage routes due to the unique challenges posed by the Char Dham Yatra. It may be recalled that the pilgrims often venture into forested areas during their journey, inadvertently increasing the risk of fire outbreaks. Authorities are now intensifying patrols and reinforcing preventive measures to avert potential disasters.
