Having periodically talked about various proposed and executed works towards forest fire mitigation in recent years, the authorities appear to be once again focusing on the need for works which have been advocated for some years now without the necessary progress being achieved.
Additional Chief Secretary S Ramaswami said that Government is seriously considering immediate efforts and some long term solutions to the forest fires in Uttarakhand.
He said that one of the most important measures is to maximise efforts for water conservation and water accumulation so as to maintain necessary moisture in the jungles. The State will submit a proposal to the Union Government regarding this and also present its demand for necessary fund.
The conventional fire line made after removal of trees of sanctioned dimensions will also be reviewed in order to make a correct evaluation of the utility of fire lines.
The bureaucrat further informed that the State is considering to request the Supreme Court of India to reconsider its earlier order banning felling of trees above 1,000 metres altitude even for making fire lines.
At the same time, Ramaswami also said that pirool (pine needles) will be utilised to build biological check-dams to boost water retention in the ground.