Himachal Pradesh records 1,033 forest fires since onset of summer, HC takes suo moto cognisance

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], May 29 : Himachal Pradesh has recorded 1,033 forest fire incidents in the state since the onset of summer, with over 9,500 hectares of land being burnt so far nearly in the past 44 days, official data reveals.
The High Court of Himachal Pradesh has taken a suo moto cognisance of the forest fire incidents in the state.
The forest department has submitted an action taken report to the High Court, following which the Court has directed the department to increase its efforts towards the prevention of forest fires and listed the matter for June 25.
According to the forest department of the Himachal Pradesh government, the hill state has recorded 1,033 forest fire incidents in the state.
As per data available from the department over 9,500 hectares of land has been burnt so far nearly in the past 44 days.
Nearly 25 forest areas are still under the grip of forest fire, the department is initiating measures to control the incidents.

Speaking about the forest fires in the state, PK Rana, Additional Principal Conservator, Forest Management Department in the state said, "1033 forest fire incidents have been reported this year till date in Himachal Pradesh. We have been able to control most of the fire incidents. There are still 25 incidents of fire in the state as of now and concerned officials are on the job and are trying to douse the fire."
"Forest fires in Himachal Pradesh start from April 15 to June 30 but due to the change in weather and climate, we adopted the pre-fire season mitigation methods. We have been able to control the blaze in an 8000-hectare forest area and we have also worked in 1000-kilometer areas to get prepared for the fire season," he said.
"We have already conducted 900 public meetings to make people aware of forest fires," said the official.
"9,500 hectares have been burnt so far, we are trying to increase public participation. We have joint forest management committees and Mahila Mandals and they are helping and supporting. I would appeal to more people to join in our efforts to control the forest fires, said PK Rana.
Adding further he said, "We had a meeting with the National Management Authority and they have seen a pattern that the monsoons are shifting westwards which has caused dry weather conditions in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh the weather conditions are unpredictable and it is a matter of concern for us."
"The temperatures in hill stations like Shimla have also increased. We have never had these kinds of conditions in the past. We will have to prepare to improvise the forest management keeping in mind the unpredictable weather. We are working on it," he said.
He further said that nearly 600 cases and complaints with the state police against the offenders who have been indulging in forest fires intentionally have been registered and a campaign has been started against them.
"Out of 600 complaints we have registered 38 FIRs and the Director General of Police (DGP) has also given instructions to take strict action. I would appeal to the people to share pictures and videos of the offenders. I would request locals and tourists to enjoy the forests but save them from forest fires," Rana added further.
The official also informed that the HP High Court has taken a suo moto cognizance of the forest fire incidents in the state.
"We received a message from the High Court in connection with the forest fires on Tuesday following which we submitted an action taken report. Today the honorable Chief Justice and senior judges have given directions to the department to develop efforts and we are trying to increase our efforts in the prevention of forest fires in the state in coordination with the other departments," said Rana.
"We have been trying to develop a method with the help of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). We are capable of dealing with and controlling the existing fire and we hope we shall control the remaining 25 fires in the state. We don't need helicopters so far, since we don't have wide forest fires," said PK Rana further.