The government has started gearing up to control the fire in forest areas. In this regard, Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal directed in the departmental review meeting held in the Secretariat on Tuesday that if a fire in any forest area is not controlled, then the concerned DFO will be directly responsible for it. He also instructed the officials to follow up the proposal of Rs 400 crore sent to the Central Government with a view to reducing the incidents of forest fire in the state. Under this, other steps including purchase of equipment for fire control will be taken.
Fire incidents less than other states
Forest Minister Uniyal said that in the last few years, incidents of fire in the forests of the state have been less than other states, but this is a big challenge. He directed that in view of fire control, the Chief Forest Conservator and Forest Conservator will continuously monitor the DFO. He asked to activate the Village Forest Management Committees and send the incentive amount soon to ensure community participation for fire control. Also, emphasis was laid on speeding up the works of khaal-chal, rain water harvesting in forest areas.
Make PWD the implementing agency
The Forest Minister also took information about the works being done under the department from the state sector. He directed that PWD should be made the implementing agency for works up to one crore. He also asked to complete the various works going on in the forest areas immediately. He also warned that if the money for any work is surrendered, action will be taken against the concerned officer.
Lisa depot to be opened in Uttarkashi
The Forest Minister also discussed with the officials regarding the lisa policy. It came to light that lisa is extracted from the pine forests of Uttarkashi region and brought to Rishikesh depot. Then the buyers take it from there. He directed that lisa depot should be opened soon in Uttarkashi itself.
Doors will open for private sector
The department earns about Rs 70 crore from lisa extracted from pine forests in the state, while the expenditure on it is Rs 60 crore. In view of this, the Forest Minister said that under the pilot project, the work of resin extraction can be given to the private sector. He directed to select one division each in Garhwal and Kumaon for this.
Action will be taken if the budget is not utilized 100%
The Forest Minister also held a meeting of CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority). He said that 100% utilization of the budget approved by CAMPA should be ensured. Action will be taken on negligence in this. He instructed the officials to focus on fulfilling the goals of compensatory afforestation.
These decisions were also taken
The district level forest fire management plan-2025 will be approved soon and sent to the Forest Headquarters by January 10.
The feedback report will be sent after verification of the fire alert received from FSI.
Panchayat representatives, village forest fire management committees, disaster friends, forest panchayat sarpanch will be connected with the fire alert.
Communities that actively contribute to controlling fire will be given incentives and village forest fire management committees, forest panchayats and women and youth Mangal Dals will be rewarded.
Units will be set up to collect Pirul and prepare various products from it.
