Nainital - Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, has taken swift action in response to the escalating forest fire crisis in Nainital. With the blaze raging for over 36 hours and devouring swathes of greenery, Dhami has initiated a high-level meeting in the district of Haldwani to address the situation.
The gravity of the situation was underscored by Dhami's statement, acknowledging the enormity of the challenge at hand. "The forest fires pose a significant challenge for us," he stated. "We are mobilizing all necessary resources and have sought assistance from the Army."
Efforts to contain the inferno are in full swing, as Dhami outlined plans to convene a crucial meeting in Haldwani, following a similar gathering in Dehradun. "We are leaving no stone unturned to bring the fire under control at the earliest," he assured.
The threat posed by the blaze to the High Court Colony in Nainital has prompted coordinated action among various departments. Anil Joshi, an eyewitness and assistant registrar of the High Court, described the situation as perilous but confirmed that, as of now, no damage has been inflicted on the colony.
Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the proximity of the fire to Indian Army installations in the Pines area, adding urgency to the response efforts.
In response to the escalating crisis, authorities have taken precautionary measures, including the suspension of boating activities on Naini Lake. Additionally, the forest department has mobilized 40 personnel to combat the flames, highlighting the collaborative approach adopted to tackle the emergency.
The extent of the devastation caused by the recent spate of forest fires is alarming, with reports indicating 26 incidents in the Kumaon region and five in Garhwal within a 24-hour period. Since November 1 of the previous year, a staggering 575 incidents have been recorded statewide, resulting in the loss of over 689 hectares of forest cover and incurring substantial financial costs.
As the battle against the Nainital forest fire intensifies, concerted efforts are underway to mitigate the damage and safeguard lives and property in the affected areas.
