(a) whether the fire in the forests of Uttarakhand has not been doused so far;
(b) if so, the estimated losses caused by the said fire; and
(c) the measures being taken by the Government to check the said fire along with the progress achieved in this regard?
MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(DR. HARSH VARDHAN)
(a)As per the information received from Uttarakhand Forest Department, all forest fire incidences during 2017 have been controlled/doused.
(b)During the fire season of 2017, 801 forest fire incidents were reported which affected 1239.44 ha. forest area.
(c)In 2017 fire season, comprehensive arrangements were made by Government of Uttarakhand to save forests from fire. As a result of which, only about one –fourth forest area was affected by forest fire as compared to fire season of last year.
Further, for prevention and control of forest fire, the State Government takes various measures such as creation and maintenance of fire lines, construction of watch towers, engagement of fire watchers, use of space technology for detection of fires, assistance to Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs), construction of water storage structures, setting up of fire fighting cells, training and awareness etc. The Government of India provides technical and financial support to the State Government to effectively deal with forest fires. In this regard, the progress achieved in 2017 in comparison to last year is as below:
Year No. of Forest Fire Incidents Total Forest Area affected (in ha.)
2016 2074 4433.75
2017 801 1239.44
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