Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday directed officials to ensure adequate availability of forest guards by recruiting 1,000 new personnel. The instructions were issued at a high-level meeting held at the Chief Minister’s residence.
Dhami reviewed forest fire control measures, drinking water arrangements, health services, and monsoon preparedness, and directed officials to take timely and effective action.
Dhami ordered strict action against those responsible for damaging forest resources and stressed the need to reduce response time in forest fire incidents. He said officials must reach the affected site within one hour of receiving information about a forest fire. He also instructed that village committees and Van Panchayats be given the required budget as per norms for forest fire prevention work.
In view of rising human-wildlife conflict cases, he asked the Forest Department to ensure adequate availability of veterinary doctors in every division. He also stressed the need for a mobile alert system to quickly share forest fire information in affected areas.
Dhami emphasised implementing the “Shitlakhet Model” across the state for better forest fire management. He instructed officials to build small water ponds near fire lines, prepare a strong action plan for forest fire prevention, and provide proper equipment to firefighting teams. He also called for large-scale public awareness campaigns to prevent forest fire incidents.
Considering the summer season, he directed officials to ensure adequate drinking water supply in the hill state. He said sufficient water tankers should be available and damaged pipelines should be repaired quickly.
He also instructed officials to ensure that people do not face any problems related to drinking water supply. He said arrangements must be ensured not only in plains but also in pilgrimage and tourist areas.
Dhami further directed that uninterrupted power supply should be maintained across the state and efforts should be strengthened to increase energy production.
In view of the upcoming monsoon season, he asked all departments to complete preparations on time. He ordered district in-charge secretaries to carry out field inspections in their respective districts and closely monitor arrangements, especially in sensitive areas.
During the review of the Health Department, Dhami ordered that fire safety audits be made mandatory in all hospitals. He also stressed maintaining proper cleanliness in hospitals.
He also emphasided promoting institutional deliveries and directed officials to maintain complete data of pregnant women and ensure proper transport arrangements to hospitals during the monsoon season.
Dhami also said that pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra who are found medically unfit during screening tests should be advised not to travel. He said ensuring the safe and smooth journey of pilgrims remains the top priority of the state government.
Also read: Over 10,000 pilgrims rescued after landslide in Rudraprayag
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