Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 1: Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, J&K, Dr. Mohit Gera conducted an extensive tour of vulnerable forest areas of Ramban and Mahore Forest Divisions along with CF Chenab Circle, Sat Paul and concerned staff.
The team visited Ramban and Gool ranges and some parts of Mahore Forest Division. A review of additional measures to secure and protect the forests from local damage during lockdown period and on-going fire season was conducted. The PCCF exhorted the officers and staff to strengthen the protection network, control rooms for real time response and monitoring of forest damage.
He interacted with the frontline staff and directed them to be more vigilant and work as a team along with the personnel of Forest Protection Force. The staff was also instructed regarding on-going pilot test of Mobile App “Pahredar” which is expected to facilitate real time reporting and monitoring of forest damage including encroachment and forest fires with the involvement of people who can report any protection related incident from anywhere in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The team also visited Co. 58 of Ramban Range where damage was reported recently and found that cognizance has been taken by the concerned field staff. PCCF urged the field staff to keep strict vigil against the evil designs of habitual forest offenders.
The PCCF also visited Reasi Forest division and inspected the Fire Control Room established for prevention and control of Forest fires with the required infrastructure including tools and equipment. A review of progress on involving Halqa Panchayat and making Katra Range as Model Fire Protection Range was also made along with Mohan Dass CF West and Anil Kumar Atri, DFO Reasi.
PCCF directed the officers and staff to immediately upgrade the Control Rooms with necessary tools and equipment, prominent display of duty roster and emergency response Do’s and Don’ts. Formation of Rapid Response Teams with the involvement of local people at Range level was also directed by the PCCF and HoFF.
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