CM again holds meeting in respect of forest fires, conducts aerial survey
By Our Staff Reporter
Haldwani, 27 Apr: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami yet again thoroughly reviewed the efforts being made to prevent forest fires during a review meeting held at the Forest Training Academy auditorium here today. In the meeting, the CM instructed the officials to remain alert at all times to prevent and control forest fires. The Chief Minister further instructed top forest officers to put an interim restriction on leave to be granted to the forest officers in view of the raging forest fires till the forest fires are completely brought under control. He made it clear that leave should be granted to the forest officials only in case of serious illness.
Dhami emphasised that the forest officers should always stay in the areas affected by the fires and make sincere efforts to control the forest fires at the earliest. The Chief Minister has also given instructions to the top forest officers not to unnecessarily summon the forest officials engaged in firefighting work to Dehradun to participate in any meetings.
The CM observed that apart from the Forest Department, other departments should also be on high alert mode to prevent forest fire. Information system should be further strengthened to prevent forest fire incidents. Response time to any information regarding fire should be minimised. For effective prevention of forest fire, cooperation of people also should be taken at the local level.
Dhami also added that army’s cooperation is also being taken in firefighting in the forests. He also issued instructions to take action against those who are found guilty of setting fire in the forests. The Chief Minister asked to pay attention to the control of fire around Leesa (Resin) Depot and also directed the officers to activate the fire brigade. So that there is no loss to Resin Depot or other institutions and offices.
It may be recalled that earlier, the Chief Minister took stock of the situation by conducting an aerial survey of the areas affected by forest fires. He said that forest fire incidents are being controlled due to everyone’s efforts. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also gave instructions to the officials to overcome the shortage of drinking water in view of the rising temperature.
On this occasion, MLA Sarita Arya, Commissioner Kumaon Deepak Rawat, District Magistrate Vandana along with senior officials of Forest and Police Department and other public representatives, etc., were present.
