Dehradun: The state government has demanded more than four billion rupees from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to control forest fires and raise resources. For this, the government has prepared a proposal and sent it to the ministry. This year, forest wealth on thousands of hectares of forest land was affected by forest fires. 11 people died due to forest fire. This matter also reached the court. Along with this, questions were raised on the working system of the forest department. In view of the incidents, the government had taken action to attach and suspend the Chief Forest Conservator, Forest Conservator, DFO and other officials. Now to deal with forest fires, the Forest Department has prepared a five-year action plan and sent it to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. In this, a demand of Rs 404 crore has been made.
In the proposal of the Forest Department, it is written to keep small fire vehicles ready in the forests. These vehicles will be prepared by installing water tanks and fire extinguishers in small load vehicles. These vehicles will be helpful in extinguishing roadside fires. Pine forests are sensitive to fire. Water conservation work will be done in these forests, so that the forest remains moist and helps in preventing the spread of fire. The forest department has planned to buy and collect pine sawdust. Leaf blower will be purchased for cleaning the leaves. Along with this, a unit of briquettes and pellets from sawdust is to be set up. Work will also be done to increase the safety of forest workers.
