Though the rain experienced on Sunday has brought some relief from man-made forest fires, environmentalists here have demanded that the Forest Department stop controlled burning in forests.
Smoke rising from fires in the forests around Chamba in Tehri district is a hot topic for public discussion nowadays. The locals state that to mitigate damage during the forest fire season, the department gathers dry pine needles and bushes for controlled burning in forest areas.
The smoke from such fires also hangs about in Chamba town. Environmentalists question the controlled burning being conducted by the forest department.
Chipko movement leader and noted environmentalist Chandi Prasad Bhatt said that smoke from such fires affects the environment while the fire also damages the propagation of smaller flora on the land being burnt.
The pine needles should be utilised in a scientific manner to boost the income of villagers, he said. Environmentalist and agricultural activist, Vijay Jadadhari said that the leaves should be used to make manure instead of being burned.