The State Forest Department too is contributing to the rescue and relief efforts in the disaster-affected areas of the State with 1,000 department staff involved in the efforts.
The Uttarakhand Forest Development Corporation has been ordered to supply free firewood to district administration in disaster affected areas. According to additional secretary, Forests, Manoj Chandran, the Government has ordered free supply of fire wood for cremation of dead bodies at Kedarnath and other places. Uttarakhand Forest Development Corporation has supplied 160 quintal fire wood at Gauchar airstrip so far.
The department has provided free kitchen and accommodation at Kainchi Dham, Nainital, Mohan and Chukam in Ramnagar and established two relief camps at Gauchar and Gairsain for food and essential items. One utility vehicle with fruits for affected people sent to Gouchar and Gairsain relief camps by DFO Nainital.
One utility vehicle with 700 kg rations and bottled water for affected people was sent to Gauchar and Gairsain relief camps from Ramnagar by the department. All forest divisions have been instructed to accommodate affected people in forest rest houses of Kumaon without charges and provide free meals. Five vehicles from north Kumaon were sent to Gauchar to help stranded people reach Ramnagar or Haldwani along with provision of free stay at FRHs and free meals.
IFS officers Nitish Mani Tripathi was sent to Rudraprayag with official vehicle and provisions while Koko Rose and Biju lal were sent to Pithoragarh with staff, vehicle and provision.
All forest divisions are coordinating with the Revenue and Police departments to provide help with personnel on standby. The department’s wireless network is fully operational to provide communication to all departments and compilation of damage to roads, forest buildings and any local damage is being undertaken.