Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav conducted an intensive tour of the areas affected by forest fire and reviewed the measures related to dealing with this disaster. Shri Yadav said the government remains committed to finding solutions to the various reasons which are causing the fires, leading to loss of valuable forests.
During the field inspection Shri Yadav visited various sites in Narendra Nagar and Tehri forest divisions under Bhagirathi Circle and reviewed the remote forest areas affected by forest fire and also the preparations of the Forest Department. He visited forest ranges like Shivpuri, Hindolakhal, Bemunda, Agrakhal etc. under Narendranagar Forest Division .
During the field visit in Hindola Khal Shri Yadav said that incidents of forest fire have mostly occurred in pine forests. He said incidents of forest fire have increased in the forests. During this period, they were monitored and several meetings were also held, in which efforts were made to find out the local causes of fire. Shri Yadav said that today the situation is under control , geographical conditions could be assessed, public participation and public consent could be ensured so that the government, forest department can prevent incidents of fire in coordination. He said that the Central Government and the State Government are working together to prevent incidents of forest fire.
At Bemunda Crew Station, Shri Yadav interacted with rural women and villagers and discussed the causes of forest fires. During this, he also talked to the forest personnel engaged in extinguishing the forest fire .
Shri Yadav laid special emphasis on the fact that the Forest Department should further intensify its preparations to deal with forest fire. He directed that on receiving information about the fire, arrangements should be made to deal with it in the shortest possible time. The Union Minister also emphasized on ensuring the participation of the local community in forest fire cases. Shri Yadav also expressed serious concern over the recent forest fire accidents and the loss of life and property caused by it.
Shri Bhupender Yadav interacted with the officials and forest personnel of the Forest Department in Badshahithaul Forest Range. Forest Minister of Uttarakhand Government, Mr. Subodh Uniyal, former Cabinet Minister of Uttarakhand Government, Mr. Kishore Upadhyay and many senior officials of the Forest Department were also present.
