![[Forest Fires in Uttarakhand] "Before The Next Season, You Must Put Everything in Place": SC](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shared-image.jpg?fit=820%2C412&ssl=1)
Today, On 23rd July, The Supreme Court mandated that all necessary steps be taken to prevent forest fires in Uttarakhand before the upcoming season. This directive emphasizes the urgency and importance of proactive measures to protect the region’s forests.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday emphasized the need for authorities to prepare measures to prevent forest fires in Uttarakhand before the next season, noting that many of these fires are caused by human activity.
A bench consisting of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan reviewing a case concerning forest fires in the state.
The apex court previously stressed, on May 17, the importance of protecting valuable forests from the dangers of forest fires, remarking that the related litigation was not “adversarial.”
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Acknowledging that the rainy season had begun in the hill state, The bench stated,
“As of now, there is nothing immediate but before the next season, you must put everything in place,”
The court also expressed concern over the discrepancy between earlier assurances and subsequent events, noting,
“A very good picture was projected to us (during the earlier hearing) and within a week, we read in the newspapers that four forest guards died in forest fires.”
During the proceedings, one lawyer highlighted the May 17 order, which mentioned Solicitor General Tushar Mehta‘s commitment to collaborating with various stakeholders, including the state’s chief secretary and senior advocate Rajiv Dutta, to find a solution. Meetings have already been held, with more planned for August.
The bench acknowledged that most forest fires in the region are man-made and scheduled the next hearing for September.
On May 17, the solicitor general, representing the Uttarakhand government, informed the court about efforts to prevent and control forest fires, such as using allocated funds, filling vacancies in the forest department, and providing firefighting equipment.
The court appreciated the state’s proactive stance, noting the solicitor general‘s assurance that senior officials, including the chief secretary, actively seeking a permanent solution to manage and prevent forest fires.
The court remarked,
“We appreciate the stand taken by the state,”
During a recent hearing, the court expressed severe dissatisfaction with the state’s current efforts, describing them as “lackadaisical” and insufficient to address the crisis effectively.
The court highlighted that over 900 incidents of forest fires have been reported in Uttarakhand since November 2023, affecting approximately 1,145 hectares of forest land. Despite the state’s claims that only 0.1% of the forest cover impacted, the Supreme Court noted that the situation required more robust and proactive measures beyond relying on cloud seeding and rain.
The Supreme Court‘s mandate follows petitions emphasizing the significant environmental damage caused by the fires, which are frequently initiated by individuals aiming to modify land use after the fires are extinguished. In light of this, the Supreme Court scheduled further hearings to stress the immediate need for the Uttarakhand government to implement swift and effective measures.
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