DFOs Asked To Be On Guard Against Rising Wildfires

WITH the state grappling with rising forest fires due to prevailing heatwave condition, the Forest department has asked officials of all wildlife divisions and sanctuaries to step up measures for enhanced vigilance, inter-division coordination and wider community participation to deal with the menace.

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PCCF (wildlife)-cum-chief wildlife warden Prem Kumar Jha, who chaired a meeting with all divisional forest officers (DFOs) in this regard recently, asked them to intensify awareness campaigns involving stakeholders and the public.

Considering the risk posed to captive wild animals, Jha ordered the DFOs managing small and mini zoos across the state to implement special fire protection measures and make adequate provisions for water to help the animals cope with the scorching heat. He also stressed on adhering to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for zoo management.