Winter Fire Risk Rises: Forest department sounds high alert in Chenab circle
Ramban, Dec 5: With the onset of winter and a sharp rise in forest fire incidents across the Chenab region, the Forest department has issued a high-alert circular directing all territorial and allied wings to intensify preparedness and preventive measures.
The circular, issued by Dr A D Singh, Conservator of Forests, Chenab Circle, Doda, warns that forests dominated by Deodar, Kail, Fir, and Chir are highly vulnerable to fires during the dry winter months. Recent weeks have seen an increase in fire incidents in Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, Doda, Marwah, Batote, Ramban, and areas along the NHIA Batote stretch, prompting immediate action.
According to the Forest department, most fires in these forest zones are man-made, either due to negligence or deliberate acts, and often develop into ground fires that destroy vegetation and micro-fauna.
The department has emphasised the need for rapid response to alerts generated by the Forest Survey of India.
DFOs Directed to Mobilise Ground Workforce
The circular instructs Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) to identify fire-prone pockets in their divisions; deploy forest staff at designated fire stations and coordinate with the Forest Protection Force, Social Forestry, and Disaster Management authorities for additional manpower.
District Magistrates, SSPs, and Fire and Emergency Services have also been requested to extend support, especially in areas close to human settlements.
24×7 control rooms and equipment checks.
Every forest division has been asked to ensure that its master control room functions round-the-clock and maintains updated contact lists of Block Officers, Forest Guards, Gram Pradhans, fire watchers, and volunteers.
DFOs have been instructed to review the availability of fire beaters, rakes, and blowers, and to fill any equipment gaps immediately.
Daily reports on fire incidents must reach the Conservator’s office by 10.30 am, even on Sundays, the circular says. Leave for staff during the fire season has been restricted.
Focus on Public Awareness and Strict Enforcement of Laws
The department has called for awareness drives to educate local communities about the ecological damage caused by forest fires. It has also warned that individuals responsible for igniting fires will face strict action under the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
Highlighting risks associated with construction work, the circular directs BRO, PWD, PMGSY, and other agencies to adopt fire-preventive measures while executing road and pavement works, especially those involving hot-mixing.
Municipal Committees have been instructed to monitor dumping zones, where waste is sometimes burnt, increasing the risk of fires spreading into adjoining forest areas.
The Conservator has marked the matter as “Most urgent”, signalling intensified vigilance across the entire Chenab Circle.
