The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Himachal Pradesh): Himachal Pradesh has recorded 1,033 forest fire incidents since the onset of summer, with over 9,500 hectares of land affected in the past 44 days, according to official data. The High Court of Himachal Pradesh has taken suo moto cognizance of these incidents, prompting an action taken report from the forest department and further directives to bolster fire prevention efforts. The matter has been listed for further review on June 25.
PK Rana, Additional Principal Conservator, Forest Management Department, stated that the state typically experiences forest fires from April 15 to June 30. However, due to changing weather patterns, pre-fire season mitigation methods were adopted. Despite these efforts, 25 forest areas are still burning, and officials are actively working to control these fires.
“We have controlled most of the fire incidents, but there are still 25 active fires. Our officials are on the job and are trying to douse the fire,” Rana said. He added that the department has conducted 900 public meetings to raise awareness about forest fires and has managed to control blazes in 8,000 hectares of forest area, preparing 1,000 kilometers for the fire season.
The department has increased public participation through joint forest management committees and Mahila Mandals. Rana appealed for more community involvement, stating, “We are trying to increase public participation. We have joint forest management committees and Mahila Mandals and they are helping and supporting. I would appeal to more people to join in our efforts to control the forest fires.”
A meeting with the National Management Authority revealed that shifting monsoons have caused dry conditions in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, contributing to the unpredictable weather and increased fire risk. “The temperatures in hill stations like Shimla have also increased. We have never had these kinds of conditions in the past. We will have to prepare to improvise the forest management keeping in mind the unpredictable weather,” Rana said.
Nearly 600 cases and complaints have been filed against individuals suspected of intentionally starting forest fires, with 38 FIRs registered. The Director General of Police has instructed strict action against offenders. Rana urged locals and tourists to protect the forests and report any offenders, stating, “I would request locals and tourists to enjoy the forests but save them from forest fires.”
The High Court’s suo moto cognizance led to an action taken report from the forest department, which received directives to enhance fire prevention efforts in coordination with other departments. “We have been trying to develop a method with the help of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). We are capable of dealing with and controlling the existing fire and we hope we shall control the remaining 25 fires in the state,” Rana added.