Despite concerted efforts to bring the raging forest fires under control in Uttarakhand, the situation remains dire as eight new blazes erupted in the last 24 hours, further exacerbating the firefighting operation in the hill state. The Kumaon region, particularly Nainital district, has emerged as a hotspot for forest fires, with multiple areas engulfed in flames.
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The fresh fires, which erupted on Saturday evening, have consumed 11.75 hectares of forest land, adding to the devastation that has ravaged 735.815 hectares since November 2023.
•According to the state forest department, many of the fires in Nainital and Pauri Garhwal were man-made, highlighting human negligence as a significant factor in exacerbating the crisis.
•Law enforcement agencies have taken action against individuals responsible for starting fires, with three arrests in Rudraprayag district and five in Garwah forest division.
•Forest officials warn of legal consequences for those found guilty of igniting fires and urge the public to report any incidents immediately.
•A signature campaign for public awareness has been launched in rural areas to emphasize the importance of forest conservation and fire prevention.
•Chief Conservator of Forest Prasanna Kumar Patro attributes the surge in forest fires to increased dryness due to heatwaves in lower areas bordering Nepal.
•Former Uttarakhand CM Harish Rawat emphasizes the need to increase humidity in forest areas to control fires, recalling past initiatives aimed at forest conservation.
•Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami solicits support from various institutions, including the Indian Army, and urges locals to cooperate in firefighting efforts. He vows to hold accountable any officials found negligent in their duties.
As the battle against the infernos rages on, authorities and communities are mobilizing all available resources to contain the devastation and protect Uttarakhand’s precious forests.
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