Though forest fires are an annual occurrence in Uttarakhand, the conflagration this year has elicited the attention of the authorities at various levels from the State High Court to Parliament.
Taking serious cognisance of the ecological damage resulting from the forest fires in Uttarakhand, the High Court on has served notice to the State and Central Governments, seeking information on various aspects of the forest fires, including the cause and the extent of the damage. The High Court has sought answers to more than a dozen questions addressed to the respondents by May 9.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice KM Joseph and justice VK Bist decided to take up the matter as a public interest litigation.
The HC bench listed various questions addressed to the State and Central Governments. Seeking information on the current condition of forest fires in the State, the loss of life and property caused by it so far and detailed information about the damage to the ecosystem caused by the forest fire, the HC has also asked whether pine jungles and pine resin were the main cause of forest fires.
Asking for details of procedural response to forest fire alerts, the respondents have also been asked as to whether there is coordination between the Forest Department and the Fire Services to contain forest fires while also seeking information about utilisation of resources by the departments.
The High Court has also questioned as to whether the forest fires in Uttarakhand are natural or caused by human actions.
In addition to seeking information about types of resources and the manner of their utilisation, the High Court has also asked the State Government about the system in place for information dissemination among the local residents regarding forest fires.
The HC has also asked whether chemical or any other means can be used apart from water to extinguish forest fire.