With the searing summer heat begetting wildfire, the forest service officials say that the people may use the services of popular 108 emergency health service to inform the administration about such incidents. However, they have assured that all necessary steps have been taken to take on wildfire. Despite such assurances, incidents of forest fire are being reported sporadically from many parts of the Terai landscape of Uttarakhand.
Forest fires caused huge damage to forest produce in different parts of the Kaladhungi forest range and some parts of Terai-central forest division recently. The forest officials said that they would be able to define the quantum of damage wrought recently by wildfire after a survey. The forest department has put a lot of measures to effectively stop wildfire, including remote sensing devices, high-tech gadgets and satellite services. However, it seems these measures have not succeeded in stopping the menace.
State finance minister and MlA from Haldwani, Indira Hridayesh said It is a daunting task to deal with forest fire in remote and hilly areas of the State. “Awareness among the people is vital to prevent wildfire. Quantum of damage can be mitigated if things are informed promptly. The common people must be involved in the task of protecting and preserving forests,” she said.