DEHRADUN: In view of the raging fire in the forests of Uttarakhand, the Central Government has deployed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and helicopters in Uttarakhand to tackle forest fires in the State.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the government has deployed NDRF teams and helicopters in Uttarakhand to tackle forest fires in the State.
Since last few days there has been reports of forest fires in several district of the state. Taking stock of the situation, Shah called on Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat.
"I have spoken to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat and inquired about the forest fires. To overcome fires and prevent loss of life and property, the central government has issued orders for immediately making available teams of NDRF and helicopters to the government of Uttarakhand," Mr. Shah said in a tweet in Hindi.
CM Rawat in a tweet stated that the Home Minister has assured all possible assistance as per requirement. "Two helicopters have been provided by the Central Government to prevent the rising incidents of forest fire in the state. NDRF teams will also come to the state for help. The Union Home Minister has also assured all possible assistance as per the need," Rawat tweeted.
In another tweet he informed that fire watchers have been deployed across the state to monitor the forests for 24 hours.
Reportedly, fire broke out at around 964 locations in Uttarakhand. Forest fire is considered to be one of the common natural calamity in the state that takes place during February and till June, but the state witnessed wildfires even during the winter this time.
Forest officials have cited 'change in climatic condition' as the reason behind the increase in the number of forest fire incidents.
The Principal Chief Conservator has informed that 12,000 guards and fire watchers of the state forest department have been deployed to douse the fire. So far, the fire has destroyed property worth Rs 37 lakhs.
As per reports, around four people and seven animals have lost their lives while two people have been injured.
Meanwhile, CM Rawat has called an emergency meeting over the forest fire incidents in the state.
"We asked the Centre to give us two choppers to take control of fire situation. We have been given the same. We are hoping to douse fire using choppers today," the chief minister said.
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