Garhwal Post Bureau
Haridwar, 18 Mar: Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal has claimed that comprehensive preparations have been made to tackle the upcoming forest fire season, with a major policy shift under which forest fires will be declared a notified disaster in the state. He stated that, for the first time, district-level disaster management committees have been constituted under the leadership of District Magistrates to deal with forest fire incidents in a coordinated manner.
Addressing the media here, today, Uniyal said that officers of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) rank are being deployed as nodal officers in every district to ensure effective monitoring and response. He further claimed that improved fire-fighting equipment has been procured for forest personnel this year, including fireproof jackets, suits, and helmets. In a significant welfare measure, the insurance cover for fire watchers has been enhanced up to Rs 10 lakhs.
The Minister further stated that forest fire committees have been constituted in vulnerable and identified hotspot areas under the chairmanship of village pradhans. These committees will include revenue officials, forest department personnel, Mahila Mangal Dals, and Yuvak Mangal Dals to strengthen grassroots-level response. To encourage prompt action, the government has also introduced a reward system, under which teams performing well in extinguishing forest fires will be awarded cash prizes of Rs 1 lakh, Rs 75,000, and Rs 51,000.
Uniyal also observed that recent rainfall and snowfall in several parts of the state have provided temporary relief with respect to forest fires, but the administration remains fully prepared for the fire season ahead.
On another issue, Uniyal announced that proposals for elephant-proof walls and fencing in Haridwar have been approved to prevent incidents of elephants straying into human settlements. Work on these projects is currently underway.
At the same time, speaking at a separate event here, Uniyal emphasised the importance of sports in keeping children away from substance abuse and guiding them towards a disciplined life. He extended his best wishes to participants at the Maa Ganga All India Invitational Basketball Tournament, which he inaugurated by cutting the ribbon at Premnagar Ashram. The event was attended by local MLA Madan Kaushik, Roorkee MLA Pradeep Batra, Mayor Kiran Jaisal, former state minister Sanjay Sehgal, District Basketball Association president Lalit Naiyyar, and several other dignitaries.
