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In response to the escalating forest fires in Uttarakhand, the state government has initiated aerial firefighting efforts and deployed the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in severely affected areas. However, the situation remains dire, with five casualties and four injuries reported thus far.
SC Takes Notice: Hearing on Forest Fire Petition
The Supreme Court is poised to address a petition regarding the rampant forest fires in Uttarakhand, with a staggering 910 incidents recorded since November, resulting in damage to approximately 1145 hectares of forest land. The matter has come before a bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta. An advocate involved in the case highlighted the alarming statistic that nearly 44% of forests in the Kumaon region are engulfed in flames, with a concerning revelation that 90% of these fires are human-induced.
Human Activity Blamed for Catastrophe
The lawyer emphasized the significant role of human activity in exacerbating the crisis, drawing attention to the presence of dense pine tree forests in the area, known for their high flammability. Seeking to present a status report, the Uttarakhand representative addressed the bench, seeking urgent intervention to tackle the unfolding environmental disaster.
Petition Seeks Protection Measures
Advocate Rituparn Uniyal’s plea seeks immediate action to safeguard forests, wildlife, and avian species from the ravaging wildfires, stressing the escalating frequency and severity of such incidents over the years. The petition calls upon the Centre, Uttarakhand government, and principal chief conservator of forests to implement pre-fire arrangements and devise a comprehensive policy to prevent forest fires.
Arrests Made for Alleged Arson
Earlier this month, Uttarakhand Police apprehended three individuals from Bihar for allegedly inciting forest fires in the state. The arrests followed the circulation of a viral video on social media where the suspects were seen promoting the act. Additionally, forest department officials have registered cases against four individuals for setting fires in the Gangolihat forest range of Pithoragarh district under the Indian Forest Act.
