Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami convened a meeting with officials at Kumaon Division at Forest Training Academy in Haldwani on Saturday. During the meeting he reviewed the officials action taken report to check forest fires. He has instructed to them to be alert at all times and ban on forest officials’ leave. He also instructed to Dehradun officials not to call them to Dehradun for a meeting unless and until the forest fire is completely controlled. CM also reviewed the forest fire situation by conducting an aerial survey of the forest fire affected areas.
During the meeting, District Magistrate and other officials were tasked with ensuring swift responses to any forest fire incidents. It was emphasized that in the event of a fire outbreak, all concerned personnel should promptly reach the affected forest areas to assist in controlling the blaze effectively. In a significant move, the leaves of all officers were cancelled to ensure their availability during such emergencies.
Furthermore, officials were directed to collaborate with local organizations and self-help groups to raise public awareness about the prevention of forest fires. Strict actions were urged against individuals found guilty of intentionally setting fires in the forests. Additionally, the forest department was instructed to identify and honor villagers actively involved in preventing forest fires.
In addition to forest fire prevention measures, authorities also focused on addressing the challenge of ensuring an uninterrupted supply of drinking water during the summer months. Officials were tasked with making necessary arrangements to tackle the issue, including deploying water tankers and undertaking repairs of drinking water lines to ensure a steady water supply to the residents.
The meeting underscored the importance of proactive measures and collaborative efforts to mitigate the risks associated with forest fires and ensure the well-being of the community, particularly during the hot and dry summer season.