he Union Environment Ministry has issued new guidelines allowing other government departments to carry out forestry activities during emergencies such as forest fires, particularly when state forest departments lack the necessary expertise.

However, the Union Environment Ministry in the guidelines made it clear that the forest’s legal status will remain unchanged, and any structures created will continue to belong to the forest department.

The guidelines detail steps that can be taken to prevent or manage natural disasters in forest areas and are aligned with the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980. It permits actions such as establishing fire lines and constructing soil and water conservation structures like check dams and pipelines during natural disasters. The aim is to protect wildlife, human lives, and property.

This decision follows a request from Uttarakhand’s chief secretary, highlighting the need for effective measures against frequent forest fires.

As per the guidelines, under such circumstances, the state forest department may authorize other government departments to undertake these activities, provided they align with approved plans and receive prior permission.

The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) must oversee and approve the design of any interventions, ensuring no harm comes to the ecosystem, with tree cutting generally prohibited except for necessary pruning.

The letter also called for mock drills to prepare forest staff before the fire season and requested permission for government departments to conduct soil and water conservation work in forest areas.

The issue was discussed in a meeting of the ministry’s Forest Advisory Committee on August 27.

The activities include establishing and maintaining fire lines and building structures for soil and water conservation, such as check dams, water tanks, trenches, and pipelines.

However, the ministry said: “Under exceptional circumstances and non-availability of technical expertise, the state forest department, with a view to avert the natural disaster by ensuring efficient and effective preparatory works, may allow the other government departments to undertake the implementation of forestry activities for soil and water conservation activities in the forest area.”