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Introduction
The Supreme Court of India has strongly criticized the Uttarakhand government for its 'lackadaisical' approach in tackling the recent forest fires that have ravaged the state.
The court's stern rebuke came during a hearing on Wednesday, May 17, where the Uttarakhand chief secretary was summoned to appear before it.
The court expressed its dissatisfaction with the state government's handling of the fires, which have caused significant damage to the state's forests and resulted in the loss of lives and property.
Supreme Court's Observations
The Supreme Court bench, headed by Justice BR Gavai, observed that the Uttarakhand government had failed to take adequate steps to prevent and control the forest fires.
The court noted that despite multiple action plans being prepared, no concrete measures had been implemented on the ground.
The court also pointed out that the state government had diverted forest officials and vehicles for poll duty, which had hampered firefighting efforts.
Additionally, the court sought an explanation from the chief secretary on why central funds allocated for forest fire prevention had not been fully utilized.
State Government's Response
In response to the Supreme Court's criticism, the Uttarakhand chief minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, acknowledged that forest fires were a major concern for the state.
He stated that the government was taking steps to address the issue, including launching a campaign to collect and dispose of pine needles, which are highly flammable and contribute to forest fires.
The chief minister also claimed that the situation was now under control and that forest department personnel were responding promptly to fire incidents.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court's intervention in the Uttarakhand forest fire case highlights the urgent need for effective forest management and fire prevention measures.
The court's stern stance sends a clear message that governments must prioritize environmental protection and allocate adequate resources to prevent and combat forest fires.
It is crucial that the Uttarakhand government takes immediate action to address the concerns raised by the Supreme Court and implement comprehensive strategies to safeguard the state's forests and protect the lives and livelihoods of its people.
Source: 'Lackadaisical approach': Supreme Court slams Uttarakhand govt over forest fires