Awareness programme on forest fires held
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 22 2015:
With the onset of dry season, a one day awareness programme on prevention and control of forest fire was held today at the community hall of Pantilong village, Imphal East district under the auspices of Range Forest Officer, Sadar East Range, Chingmeirong.
Chief guest of the function, Conservator of Forest, Central Circle, Th Mahendra Pratap Singh said that forest fires can be ignited by numerous ways.
In addition to lightning, most of the forest fires that occurred have been induced by human activities.
Unattended or out-of-control campfires, a discarded burning cigarette, arson, or even equipment use can set off a blaze which results in catastrophic consequences.
He urged the village authority to stay on guard against any activities which could ignite forest fires in the nearby hill ranges.
DFO L Joykumar stressed the need for active participation of villagers in curbing the menace of forest fires which could lead to destruction of life, property etc.
He urged the villagers to take up precautionary steps like prevention of lighting up big fire in household areas which could spread to nearby forest areas and spread to other places.
Range Officer, Homae said that forest fires in the State are caused mainly due to hunting practices where forest are burnt down to hunt wild animals.
For jhum cultivation, collection of firewood forest is also burnt down, he added.
A special task team has been instituted by the department to prevent forest fires and to take up immediate steps if fires occur in different compartments of the forest areas.
The awareness programme was also attended by village chairman Gaidi Rongmei.