Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 1: The Forest Department in Ganderbal today advised the nomads as well as others to take due precautions while venturing into the forest areas in view of the increase in forest fires in the district.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Ganderbal, Danish Khan, told the Excelsior that they have issued an advisory, particularly for the nomads, urging them to ensure that the fires they burn are doused once they leave a particular spot along with other precautions.
“In the advisory which we have issued, we have directed people not to venture into forest areas without need. The nomads, who come from different areas, have been advised to take due care with the fires they burn for cooking food and protecting their livestock from wild animals,” he said.
He noted that there is a prolonged dry spell ongoing, coupled with a heat wave, making the forests vulnerable to fires.
“This season generally does not see forest fires, due to the thorough green cover of the grass, but the moisture content is less this year. As a result, there has been an increase in forest fires,” he said.
He added: “The nomads, who go into the forests, must ensure that the fires they burn are doused when they leave and move further.”
The DFO stressed that people need to take precautionary measures and that citizens have a duty to protect the forest.
“Wherever they might see fire, they should report it to us. We need people’s assistance in this regard. This situation will remain until June 5; after that, things will be under control,” he said.
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