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A fire broke out in Uttarkashi forests (photo)
– Photo: Sambad news agency
expansion
The central government said that in emergency situations where the state forest department lacks the necessary technical expertise, other government departments may be allowed to carry out activities in forests to control natural disasters.
The union’s Ministry of Environment published guidelines on the matter on Tuesday, detailing the steps that can be taken to prevent or manage natural disasters in forest areas. The guidelines were issued after the Uttarakhand chief secretary repeatedly wrote to the ministry and the National Disaster Management Authority demanding effective measures for forest fire-prone areas.
The letter also called for mock exercises to prepare the forest staff in the event of a fire. Alongside this, a request was submitted to allow the government ministries to carry out soil and water conservation works in forest areas. The issue was discussed at the meeting of the ministry’s forest advisory committee on August 27.
In a letter to the states and union territories on Tuesday, the ministry said that in accordance with the Forest (Conservation and Promotion) Act, 1980 and the guidelines attached to it, certain afforestation activities can be carried out in forest areas during emergency situations such as natural disasters, etc. . This can be done in situations where immediate action is required to protect wildlife, human life and property.
These activities include construction and maintenance of fire lines, construction of structures for soil and water conservation, such as dams, water tanks, canals and pipes, etc. However, the ministry said, “In exceptional circumstances and the unavailability of technical expertise, the State Forestry Department, in order to prevent a natural disaster by ensuring efficient and effective preparation work, may assist other government ministries in providing forestry for soil and water conservation. Activity in the forest area.” may allow activities to be carried out”.
The ministry clarified that forestry activities are only permitted in accordance with the Forest (Conservation and Promotion) Law, 1980-5571 and the action plan approved by the central government. According to the ministry, before starting any work, it is necessary to obtain permission from the state’s forestry department in accordance with the Indian Forestry Act of 1927.
According to the guidelines, the planning and layout of the activity requires the approval of the Divisional Forestry Officer (DFO), besides the DFO will supervise the work, the ministry said that in the event of such an action, there should be no harm to plants and animals and if cutting down trees is prohibited except for pruning or clearing bushes if necessary . In accordance with the guidelines, the government ministry performing the work will bear the cost. According to the guidelines, the legal status of the forests will remain unchanged and any structure built during this period will remain in the hands of the Forestry Division.
(Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
source link https://www.amarujala.com/india-news/govt-allows-non-forest-depts-to-undertake-disaster-prevention-work-in-forest-areas-2024-10-02
