The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the loss of lives in Uttarakhand due to massive forest fires in large areas of the State. Expressing concern at the environmental damage and air pollution emanating from the conflagration, the President called upon the State Government and all other authorities to provide every assistance possible to the bereaved families and those affected by forest fires.
In his message to Uttarakhand Governor Krishan Kant Paul, the President has stated, “I am sad and distressed to know about the massive fires which have affected large areas of the state, causing loss of lives and air pollution as well as damage to environment. I am confident the Government and people of Uttarakhand will deal this challenge with speed and determination.”
Mukherjee further states, “I share the grief of those who have lost their near and dear ones and extend my sympathies to all whose lives have been affected. I applaud the efforts of the State Government and all rescue personnel as well as civil society organisations to save the environment and our biodiversity as well as human lives,” said the President.