U’khand forest fires show signs of abating

Forest fires raging through large parts of Uttarakhand began showing signs of abating as two IAF choppers and over 10,000 personnel continued firefighting operations for the second day on Monday.

The number of active fires dropped sharply to 40 in the hill state and the Centre claimed the situation was “under control”.

Three persons were arrested from Pithoragarh and Nainital for burning dry leaves of Cheed and stoking the fires.

“There are only 40 active fires in the state today in comparison to Sunday’s 73 which is an encouraging sign. It shows the situation is gradually getting under control.

“On Monday there were 271 incidents of forest fires in the state out of which 232 have been extinguished, “Additional Chief Secretary (Forest) S Ramaswamy said.

He informed that a total of 46 cases had been registered against miscreants. One case has been registered in a police station while 45 remaining cases  were registered under the  forest act.

Two IAF helicopters made nine sorties from Nainital and Pauri and poured water out of Bamdi buckets over the flaming forests as 10,000 personnel fought numerous infernos on the ground.

Governor K K Paul, who is closely monitoring the situation, spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister of Forest and Environment Prakash Javadekar and briefed them about the situation prevailing in the state where forests in 3185.45 hectares have been blighted since February 2.

In Delhi, Union Minister of State for Home Kirren Rijiju said the fires have been largely contained.

“As per the latest information, fire has been contained. Situation is under control now,” Rijiju told reporters.

Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand High Court has issued notice to the Union Ministry of Forest and Environment seeking a detailed report from it on the extent of damage caused by forest fires in the state so far and the steps taken to control the blaze.