DFO seeks public support in preventing forest fires
Source: The Sangai Express
Thoubal, March 19 2024:
With the arrival of dry season, Thoubal Forest Division DFO Dr Leishangthem Jeeceelee has sought the public's cooperation in the Forest Department's initiatives to prevent forest fires.
The DFO made the appeal during a programme held to incentivise villages/commu-nities for protection against forest fire under the participatory forest management approach at Thoubal Forest Division Office Complex under the Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme 2023-24 today.
During the programme, basic tools for fire fighting and other incentives were distributed to the Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMC) under the jurisdiction of Thoubal Forest Division.
Addressing the gathering, Dr L Jeeceelee stated that the tools and incentives for fire fighting were distributed in preparation for the dry season as a majority of the areas in Thoubal and Kakching districts under the Thoubal Forest Division are either Reserved Forests or Protected Forest areas.
Urging the people to help save forests from wildfires, she advised the people to exercise caution while burning things close to foothill regions.
Avoid using highly flammable articles such as matches, cigarettes etc in for-ests/hill areas, she added.
During the programme, 5 sprayers, 10 racks, 25 gum-boots, 25 head on lamps, 25 beaters and 10 knives were handed over to volunteers of Uyal JFMC, Wangoo Laipham JFMC, Sajik Lairembi JFMC, Waikhong Laimanai JFMC and Thongam Mondum JFMC.
Other attendees present at the event include RFO Thoubal Dinesh Salam; RFO Kakching L Dinesh; RO Headquarter Deepa Ningthoujam, staff of Divisional Forest Office Thoubal, Thoubal Range, Kakching Range and JFMC members.