Union Minister Bhupender Yadav Addresses Alarming Forest Fire Situation in Uttarakhand

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav visited Uttarakhand to review the forest fire situation. He interacted with locals and discussed measures to control the fires. During this visit, it was revealed that the state witnessed a surge in forest fires this year. Women from affected villages suggested replacing pine leaves with other tree species.

Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav is in Dehradun for a two-day visit to review the situation of forest fires in the state.

After arriving at Jolly Grant Airport, he proceeded to assess the affected areas in Tehri district where he interacted with local residents. His visits included Hindolakhal, Bermuda, and Badshahithol villages where discussions revolved around possible measures to combat the increasing forest fires.

This year, Uttarakhand has seen a disturbing rise in forest fires, with 1,265 incidents reported compared to 760 last year, according to the state's forest department.

The fires have posed significant risks, spreading perilously close to residential zones in Nainital and Tehri districts, requiring intervention from Indian Air Force helicopters to help douse the blazes using bambi buckets.

Villagers, particularly women, attributed the forest fires to highly inflammable pine leaves, suggesting their gradual replacement with Baanj, Buransh, and Kafal tree species. They also recommended planting broad-leaved fruit-bearing trees in lower areas. Yadav requested a detailed report from State Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal based on these suggestions, to be forwarded to the Centre for further action.

With 747.72 hectares affected this year, twice as much as last year, the fires have resulted in the loss of ten lives and injured nine others. Recent rains have brought a temporary reprieve, with no new incidents reported in the past 24 hours.