Despite strict instructions from the Chief Minister and the Forest Minister, the forest divisions are showing laxity in getting group life insurance for about four thousand fire watchers deployed for fire control in the forests. Out of 41 forest divisions in the state, only 20 got 2286 fire watchers insured in their respective areas. Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal expressed strong displeasure over this situation in the review meeting of fire control at the Forest Headquarters on Saturday. He directed that in the 21 forest divisions where fire watchers have not been insured, show cause notices should be issued to the DFOs from the headquarters level and answers should be sought from all within two days. Forest Minister Uniyal told the officials in the review meeting that whatever can be done to prevent forest fires and human-wildlife conflicts should be done. Along with this, personal safety of personnel and employed fire watchers, daily workers should also be ensured. He said that any kind of negligence in these matters will not be tolerated.
Budget should be released in November for fire control
Referring to forest fires, the Forest Minister said that incidents of fire are starting from November itself. In such a situation, instead of waiting for April for fire control, the budget should be released in November itself. He also instructed the officials to provide leaf blowers, grass cutters and other equipment to the forest guards working in all 571 sections in the forest areas of the state for fire control as soon as possible.
Names of local residents and forest personnel sought
The Forest Minister has also sought a list of local residents who have actively cooperated in fire control from all the districts, so that they can be rewarded. The Forest Minister had earlier announced to reward the villagers who contributed to fire control at the district level. The Forest Minister has also sought a list of those forest personnel who have made a significant contribution in dealing with fire during this fire season. They will also be rewarded.
These divisions got the fire watchers insured
Forest Division Pithoragarh, Nainital, Ramnagar, Badrinath, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Muni Ki Reti, Tehri, Chakrata, Mussoorie, Purola, Barkot, Kotdwar and Dehradun, Land Conservation Forest Division Nainital, Alaknanda and Pauri, Corbett and Rajaji Tiger Reserve and Govind Wildlife Sanctuary.
