A spate of man-made fires has ravaged the forests of Nainital and Pauri Garhwal in Uttarakhand, with the state forest department confirming the deliberate nature of most of the blazes.
With the blaze spreading to neighboring districts, the government has issued directives to forest department employees, mandating their presence and accountability during the fire season. However, the situation remains dire, with concerns extending beyond Uttarakhand to other fire-prone regions in Bharat.
Officials reported the arrest of three individuals responsible for igniting fires, some allegedly sparked while burning farmlands. The situation prompted appeals for caution from forest authorities, emphasizing legal repercussions for those found culpable under the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
Raising concerns over the Nainital forest fire, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday said that action would be taken against the officers who are responsible for the Uttarakhand forest fire.
Moreover, he emphasized the need for a unified effort, urging all institutions, including locals, to lend their support in combating the blaze.
Uttarakhand has witnessed a surge in forest fire incidents, recording over 600 cases since November last year, affecting substantial forested land. The situation has been compounded by the prevailing dry conditions, typical during the March-May period, which creates conducive environments for fires.
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