Uttarakhand Forest Fires: NDRF Rushed To Nainital, Officials' Leaves Cancelled; Tourists Crowd Hill Station

The Uttarakhand government has initiated measures to combat forest fires raging across the state. Efforts intensified over the weekend as the Air Force helicopter took charge of extinguishing fires in Nainital. A team of 41 NDRF personnel rushed to Nainital on Sunday to support forest officials in controlling the spread of fires, according to officials familiar with the situation. DFOs (Divisional Forest Officers) briefed soldiers and dispatched them to Bhawali on Sunday to tackle the ongoing crisis.

#WATCH | After the army, now the NDRF team has also been deployed to extinguish the fire in the forests of Nainital. Which will work to control the fire in the forests of Nainital's Manora Range, Bhawali, Bhimtal, and the surrounding area.

Giving information, Nainital Manora… pic.twitter.com/Ix2Kp6QxAs

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) April 28, 2024

Forest officials reported eight incidents of forest fires within the past 24 hours, with four occurring in the Kumaon region alone. Since November 1 last year, the state has recorded a total of 606 forest fire incidents, resulting in damage to over 735.8 hectares of forest land. Factors contributing to the rise in forest fires include increased temperatures, prolonged dry spells, and reduced humidity levels.

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Uttarakhand-Nainital Forest Fires: Officials’ Leave Cancelled

In response to the escalating situation, RK Sudhanshu, principal secretary forests, issued an order highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures. The order mandates the cancellation of leave for Forest Department employees during the current forest fire season, except in special circumstances. It also emphasizes accountability, stating that strict action will be taken against officials found negligent in forest fire control.

Furthermore, the forest department has directed the deployment of crews equipped with necessary materials round the clock at each fire crew-station in highly sensitive forest divisions to ensure adequate resources. Additionally, the department aims to garner community support for forest fire control through extensive awareness programs and meetings across the state, including engagement with local schools and colleges.

These directives follow strict instructions issued by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to senior forest officials, emphasizing proactive measures to tackle forest fires.

Nainital Forest Fires: Tourists Flock Despite Crisis

As the summer tourism season kicks off in the lake city Nainital, the picturesque town experiences a surge in visitor arrivals, resulting in a high demand for hotel accommodations. On the last Sunday of April, most hotel rooms in the area remained fully booked. However, the influx of tourists has also led to an increase in vehicular traffic, causing congestion on the city streets.

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With hotel parking lots reaching full capacity, vehicles often find themselves stuck in traffic, crawling through the streets as tourists explore the town's attractions. As the mercury continues to rise in the plains, tourists flock to lake city Nainital despite forest fires to escape the heat, enjoying the serene surroundings and cooler climate of the mountainous region.