Uttarakhand forest fires: 5 people dead; action against 17 officials for 'negligence'
PTC News Desk: Raging forest fires in Uttarakhand have claimed the lives of five people while1,300 hectares have been affected, said head of forest force (HoFF) Dhananjay Mohan.
"The situation of forest fire is currently under control. Forest department personnel are reaching on time at the accident spot. So far 388 cases have been registered in forest fires and 60 cases have been named. 5 people have lost their lives out of them 4 were from Nepal and working in Almora. The other deceased is an aged woman who lost her life in Pauri," Dhananjay Mohan said.
He stated that forest fires continue to take place in the Garhwal division and that some areas of Almora are also affected.
"Any form of negligence related to forest fire will not be accepted; as a result, serious action has been taken against 17 personnel, and 10 have been suspended. So far, 1300 hectares of forest have been affected by forest fire," said Dhananjay Mohan.
On Wednesday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed the measures being done to avert forest fires as well as preparations for the next monsoon season. Dhami has directed that all secretaries visit their respective districts and conduct field inspections of areas impacted by forest fires, as well as take necessary steps to put them out.
On Dhami's orders, 10 Forest Department employees who were reportedly negligent in preventing forest fires were suspended. Instructions have been sent to take disciplinary action against other employees as well.
- ANI
