In a stern reprimand, the Supreme Court chastised the Uttarakhand government on Wednesday, criticizing its “lackadaisical approach” in controlling forest fires. The apex court expressed dismay over the government’s failure to implement action plans despite their preparation and finalization.
A bench led by Justice B R Gavai, addressing a plea regarding the rampant forest fires in the state, summoned the Chief Secretary to appear personally before it on May 17. The bench, which included Justices SVN Bhatti and Sandeep Mehta, also highlighted the significant vacancies in the state’s forest department, emphasizing the urgent need for resolution.
The recent fire incident in the Dhumakot area of Uttarakhand’s Pauri Garhwal district is one of the 998 forest fire incidents recorded by the state’s forest department since November 2023. Notably, 68 of these incidents occurred between May 6 and 7. Last season, the state witnessed 773 forest fires.
The devastating fires have ravaged approximately 1,196 hectares of forest land, resulting in wild animals encroaching into residential areas and tragically claiming four lives. The once picturesque hillsides of Pauri now bear the scars of charred, blackened patches, serving as a stark reminder of the environmental toll of the fires.
