Mobilize Community To Minimize Forest Fires: CS

PEOPLE OF JAMMU & KASHMIR ARE AVAILING BENEFITS of all flagship urban missions, and the Centre and UT are in sync to ensure timely and efficient execution

- Observer News Service

Amid rising temperatures and the looming threat of scorching heat wave across J&K, Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo convened a high level meeting of the Forest Department, Divisional Commissioners and district administrations regarding proactive planning to protect the region's 'green gold' from the menace of forest fires.

The meeting besides PCCF and Commissioner Secretary, Forests, was attended by Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, HoD's of the Forest Department and representatives from the department of DMRR&R.

In order to make the information channel more robust and efficient, the Chief Secretary stressed on registering more and more volunteers from the local community residing near forests. He advised for focusing on the SHG members and Anganwadi Workers whose presence is found far and wide in the UT.

Regarding the incidence of forest fires, he expressed concern that out of around 5000 sq kms of dense forests around 1000 sq kms are vulnerable. He enjoined upon the Deputy Commissioners to frequently review the plans being implemented for saving our green assets from turning into ash.

He enquired from each DC about the incidence of forest fires in their districts, functioning of control rooms, active fires (if any) and the measures taken by them to douse the fires once the alerts are received from the field.