As forest fires continue to ravage Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has assured decisive action to tackle the crisis. Four individuals were arrested for allegedly igniting fires in the Gangolihat range forest in Pithoragarh district.
The accused, identified as Piyush Singh, Ayush Singh, Rahul Singh, and Ankit, were reported to have set fire to the forest on May 3. The local Sarpanch of Jakhani Upreti and Bhandari villages provided crucial information leading to their arrest, with legal action initiated under relevant sections of the Forest Act.
Chief Minister Dhami reiterated the state’s commitment to controlling the fires, emphasizing that stringent measures would be taken against those responsible. “We are working on all possibilities, including seeking assistance from the Indian Army,” Dhami stated, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the government’s proactive approach.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has also stepped in, deploying Mi17 V5 helicopters equipped with Bambi buckets to combat the fires. Over 4,500 litres of water have been used in coordination with the Uttarakhand government to douse the flames, enhancing firefighting efforts on the ground.
In addition to firefighting operations, Chief Minister Dhami is set to review the state’s strategies in combating forest fires. The review will also address crucial aspects like drinking water arrangements for the summer and preparations for the upcoming monsoon season.
Furthermore, Dhami will assess preparations for the Char Dham Yatra, focusing on travel routes, traffic management, and safety arrangements in pilgrimage sites like Shri Kedarnath and Rudraprayag. Ensuring the safety and smooth conduct of the Yatra remains a top priority amid ongoing challenges posed by the forest fires.
Sources By Agencies
