Forest Minister Govind Singh Thakur today interacted with all the Chief Conservators and Conservators of Forests across the State through video conferencing and discussed about forest fire incidents.He directed the officers to take effective steps to check fire incidents in the State and take prompt action. He said that state was prepared to tackle such situations and directed the officers to seek support from local civil and police administration, officers of fire services, ITBP, SSB and Home Guards for controlling fires. He directed the Chief Conservators and Conservator of Forests to enhance the number of volunteers of forest fire fighting force and utilize their services. He said that State Government has arranged helicopter which can be used and added that they should identify water sources in remote areas in their circles.
He said that all possible financial assistance would be provided for checking forest fires and added that they could also hire vehicles for the same if needed. He also directed that every forest circle would report about fire incidents of their circle to nodal officer (fire incident) Shri Alok Nagar CCF.The Minister expressed grief over the sad demise of Shri Ashok Kumar Deputy Ranger Dalhousie who lost his life during fire fighting operation. He prayed for peace of departed soul and strength to family members to bear the loss. He directed the Conservators to keep in contact with officials involved in fire fighting operations and takes steps for their safety to avoid such situation in future.Shri Tarun Kapoor Additional Chief Secretary Forest, Dr. G.S. Goraya, Shri Ajay Sharma, Shri S.K. Sharma, Shri R.C. Kang Principal Chief Conservators of Forest and other seniors officers were present in the meeting.