Today, On15th May, The Supreme Court strongly criticized Uttarakhand, stating that the state’s efforts to control forest fires are lackadaisical. This critique comes as wildfires continue to ravage parts of the state, highlighting the urgent need for more proactive measures to protect forests and wildlife.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court strongly criticized the Uttarakhand government, stating that its handling of forest fires deemed “lackadaisical.”
Justice B R Gavai, leading the bench alongside Justices SVN Bhatti and Sandeep Mehta, emphasized the need for the state to take decisive action. Despite the formulation of numerous action plans, the court noted a concerning lack of implementation. Consequently, the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand summoned to appear before the court on May 17.
The Supreme Court instructed the Uttarakhand Chief Secretary to appear in person before it on May 17 to elucidate the measures undertaken to address the forest fires in the state. Justice BR Gavai, heading the bench, specifically inquired about the deployment of Forest Department personnel for election duties despite an exemption granted by the Election Commission.
Additionally, the court sought clarification on the factors contributing to the underutilization of funds from the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).
The Supreme Court also highlighted the significant vacancy within the state’s forest department, emphasizing the necessity to resolve this matter.
The court’s attention drawn to this issue while considering a petition concerning the widespread forest fires in Uttarakhand.
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The court directed the state to submit a detailed report outlining the steps it intends to take to improve its fire management practices. This report expected to include timelines for implementation and details on the allocation of necessary resources.
This admonition from the Supreme Court acts as an essential prompt for the government to uphold its duty in safeguarding natural resources and the environment. It highlights the imperative for all state authorities to enhance their vigilance and preparedness in addressing natural disasters, especially in areas susceptible to such occurrences. The court planned a subsequent hearing to assess the advancements made by the Uttarakhand government following this order.
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