The Uttarakhand Government slammed by the Supreme Court for its ineffective measures in controlling forest fires. The apex court, led by Justice B.R. Gavai, summoned the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand to personally appear before it on May 17, highlighting the seriousness of the matter.
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NEW DELHI: Today (16th May): The Uttarakhand Government slammed by the Supreme Court, as the apex court expressed deep concerns over the state’s lackadaisical approach to controlling forest fires.
READ ALSO: [BREAKING] Forest Fires in Uttarakhand, Urgent Listing Requested in SC
In a bench headed by Justice B.R. Gavai, the court directed the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand to personally appear before it on May 17, highlighting the gravity of the matter.
The court, which also included Justices SVN Bhatti and Sandeep Mehta, noted that, despite the formulation of multiple action plans, the necessary steps for their implementation were not being taken. This failure has had severe consequences, as Uttarakhand continues to grapple with raging forest fires that pose a threat to its ecological balance and human settlements.
READ ALSO: Only 0.1% of Wildlife Areas Affected by Fires: Uttarakhand Govt. Informs SC
Forest fires have become a recurring problem in Uttarakhand, causing immense damage to its rich biodiversity and posing risks to both the environment and human lives. The Supreme Court’s intervention emphasized the need for immediate action and a comprehensive strategy to prevent and combat forest fires effectively.
The Uttarakhand Government on 8th May gives an update to the Supreme Court regarding its efforts to combat the rampant forest fires in the state. The Government stated that a mere 0.1 percent of the wildlife cover in Uttarakhand was affected by these fires, which were all determined to be man-made. Additionally, the Government informed the court about the measures taken to address the issue, including the filing of criminal cases against those responsible.
The Uttarakhand Government has presented its case to the Supreme Court Justices B R Gavai and Sandeep Mehta, highlighting the steps taken to tackle the alarming forest fires that have plagued the state. According to the government, a total of 398 man-made forest fires were recorded between November of last year and the present.
The Government’s counsel informed the court that stringent action had been taken, with 350 criminal cases filed against individuals involved in these incidents.
The counsel further clarified
“Only 0.1 percent of the state’s wildlife cover was affected by the fires, dispelling the misconception that “40 percent of Uttarakhand is on fire.”
In addition to these updates, the Government’s counsel shared an interim status report with the bench. During the proceedings, the bench emphasized the importance of preventive measures, stating that relying solely on cloud seeding or waiting for rain was not a viable solution. The bench firmly asserted that the state government must adopt proactive strategies to address the root causes of forest fires.
On 29th April, The apex court has instructed the advocate to circulate an email, indicating its willingness to consider listing the case.
The devastating fires, which have engulfed regions such as Nainital and Rudraprayag, have already destroyed approximately 33.34 hectares of precious forest land.
In response to the escalating forest fires, the Indian Army and Air Force have been deployed to assist in the firefighting efforts. The combined forces are utilizing helicopters to control and extinguish the fires. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed the involvement of the military in combating the fires, particularly in the Nainital region, where several hectares of green cover have already been engulfed. This collaborative effort aims to contain the fires and prevent further destruction.
Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat emphasized the significance of increasing humidity in forest areas. Citing a comprehensive plan developed in 2015-16, Rawat stated that controlling forest fires requires measures to raise humidity levels. He expressed dissatisfaction with the current state government’s approach to addressing the fires, suggesting a lack of seriousness in tackling the issue.
The forest fires in Uttarakhand continue to wreak havoc, with fresh incidents reported in various regions, especially in the Kumaon area. As of Sunday afternoon, eight forest fire incidents were recorded, with four occurring in the Kumaon region alone. The scale of the destruction emphasizes the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action.
To ensure effective implementation of preventive measures, the Uttarakhand Government has collaborated with various stakeholders, including local communities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and environmental agencies. This collaborative approach aims to create a sense of responsibility and urgency among all stakeholders, fostering a collective effort to protect the state’s forests and wildlife.
The Supreme Court scheduled a further hearing on May 15 to review the progress made by the Uttarakhand government in combating forest fires. It is expected that the court will closely monitor the implementation of preventive measures and provide necessary guidance to ensure the preservation of Uttarakhand’s natural resources.
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