Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma today chaired a comprehensive review meeting to examine the causes of recent forest fire incidents at different locations and to strengthen preparedness and response mechanisms across the district.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed tehsil-wise forest fire incidents and sought detailed feedback from the departments concerned regarding preventive measures, response systems and coordination mechanisms.
Emphasising the importance of timely reporting, the DC directed all officers concerned to strengthen the incident reporting mechanism and ensure prompt dissemination of information. He stressed the need for coordinated efforts among all stakeholders to minimise damage to forests, wildlife and human lives.
To mitigate the risk of forest fires, the Deputy Commissioner directed the Forest Department to establish and maintain fire lines, construct protective ditches and create small water bodies at strategic locations for quick firefighting operations.
He also stressed the importance of the systematic collection and disposal of dry pine needles, which act as a major fuel source. Taking a serious view of recurring fire incidents, Mr Sharma instructed the Divisional Forest Officers to conduct thorough enquiries into all cases and lodge FIRs wherever negligence, deliberate acts or violations are detected.
The Deputy Commissioner also called for extensive public awareness campaigns to educate people about the devastating impact of forest fires on human life, wildlife and the environment. He directed the departments concerned to circulate emergency contact numbers and helpline details widely to facilitate timely reporting.
To enhance grassroots vigilance, Abhishek Sharma directed the activation of Chowkidars, Numberdars and Aabida Mitras, urging them to remain alert. He further instructed the Health Department to keep the nearest health centres fully prepared to handle emergencies.
Among those present were Additional District Development Commissioner Malikzada Sheraz-ul-Haq, Additional Deputy Commissioner Ravi Kumar Sihag, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Mohammad Jahangir Khan, Divisional Forest Officer Naveed Mughal, Divisional Forest Officer Shweta Deoni, Wildlife Warden Nadeem Mirza, Chief Medical Officer Dr Manohar Lal Rana, Executive Engineer (Jal Shakti) Sudesh Kumar, Assistant Director Fisheries Bodh Raj and other district and sectoral officers.