Srinagar: A high-level meeting on forest fire prevention and management was held today at Sheikhbagh Forest Complex, Srinagar, under the chairmanship of Conservator of Forests (CF), Srinagar Circle, Tawheed Ahmad Deva. The meeting was attended by key officials, including the Joint Director of the Forest Protection Force (Kashmir), Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) of Srinagar Circle, Deputy Directors of the Forest Protection Force, and Wildlife Wardens of the Kashmir Region.
The primary focus of the meeting was to assess the recent forest fires that have affected various divisions in Kashmir. Officials conducted a comprehensive review of the situation, analyzed the causes, and discussed strategies to enhance fire prevention and mitigation efforts.
“The protection of our forests is paramount,” said CF Srinagar. “We are committed to implementing proactive measures to safeguard these vital ecosystems and ensure the safety of our communities.”
During the discussions, it was highlighted that all forest fire control rooms across districts are operational 24×7. These control rooms function in coordination with the Forest Department, Forest Protection Force, and Wildlife Protection Department to ensure a swift and effective response to any fire incidents.
Key strategies discussed:
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Strengthening efforts to educate communities on fire safety and forest conservation.
- Enhanced Surveillance: Improving monitoring mechanisms for early detection and rapid response.
- Inter-Departmental Coordination: Strengthening collaboration between the Forest Department, Forest Protection Force, and Wildlife Protection Department.
- Legal Action: Strict enforcement of forest protection laws against individuals responsible for causing fires.
