Forest Deptt issues advisory against forest fires in Ganderbal

Ganderbal, May 30: The Forest Department has issued an advisory for the people living near the forest areas in Ganderbal district amid the increasing forest fire incidents in Kashmir.

Sindh Forest Division, Ganderbal, has issued dos and don’ts for people particularly those living near the forest areas to avoid fire incidents and to minimise losses to green gold.

“Due to the intense heatwave, the risk of fire incidents especially the forest fires has severely increased. Many incidents have been reported from Akhal, Yachhama, Gund, Chatergul, Gutlibagh, Wangath, and Lar areas of Ganderbal during the past few days which were controlled with timely efforts by Quick Response Teams of the Forest Department, Fire and Emergency Department, and local volunteers. Most of the forest fires are caused by negligent human behaviour like smoking in forest areas, improperly extinguishing campfires, charcoal making or the burning of trash and fire kindled by nomads for cooking purposes,” officials said.

To control the forest fire incidents, the district administration is taking preventive measures to mitigate the risk associated with forest fires and is ensuring that firebreaks are well-maintained.

“The Forest Department in coordination with the Fire and Emergency Services and local community is working for immediate control of the fire incidents on a war footing wherever they occur,” officials of the district administration said.

Watch towers over higher elevation points in the area are being utilised for the quick detection of forest fires.

“However keeping in view the frequent occurrence of these incidents and subsequent loss to the green wealth, an advisory is being issued for the people of Ganderbal, especially inhabitants living near the forest areas to prevent the incidents and safeguard the life and property,” the officials said.

The advisory calls for avoiding open burning of leaves, bushes, grass, stubble, and debris in windy conditions near the forest area; restricting visits towards the forest areas; and avoiding putting inflammable combustible substances into the forest.

It asked the people not to leave behind flammables during outdoor camping in forests.

“Exhibit extreme caution while moving with livestock in the forest areas. Refrain from throwing cigarette bits and domestic ash in the forest areas. Be informed and make others aware about mobile, radio, TV alerts and warning systems of government accessible in your locality for forest fire,” the advisory states.

The department asked people to extend cooperation to the Forest Department during firefighting operations.

“Follow official channels for accurate information. Any violation in this regard will be dealt with under the relevant provisions of the Indian Forest Act, 1927,” the officials said. “In case of exigency, people are requested to contact on Phone Nos 7006322340, 7006167767, 7006708280, 7006788373, 700634746, 9149472528, and 9906833972.”