MARCH 26: The 9th meeting of the State Level Monitoring Committee on the Forest Fire Prevention & Management (FFPM) Scheme was held today under the chairmanship of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF) Suresh Kumar Gupta at the Forest Headquarters, FRMC Building. The meeting was attended by senior officers from various wings of the Forest Department, along with expert members, Dr. CM Seth, IFS (Retd), and Nadeem Qadri, Sr. Advocate, High Court of J&K. The session was conducted in hybrid mode, combining in-person and virtual participation.
The main agenda of the meeting was to review the preparedness for the upcoming fire season, with a particular focus on the proactive measures that need to be taken to prevent forest fires in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). A key point of emphasis during the discussions was raising awareness and ensuring strong coordination among different wings of the Forest Department, as well as involving local communities in forest fire control operations. It was highlighted that local participation is essential in successfully combating forest fires, as they often have the most immediate knowledge of vulnerable areas.
The committee took a detailed review of the resources currently available for forest fire management. A significant part of the discussion centered on ensuring that all necessary resources are in place for a rapid and effective response when fires occur. One of the major topics covered was the preparation of Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for forest fire management. The committee stressed the importance of incorporating best practices in fire prevention and control into the SoPs to ensure that all measures are taken in the most effective manner.
A crucial part of the meeting was dedicated to the need for deploying specialized vehicles in fire-prone and vulnerable ranges. The committee discussed the strategic deployment of these vehicles to strengthen fire-fighting capabilities in high-risk areas, ensuring a swift and efficient response to emergencies. Moreover, adequate budgetary support for these initiatives was identified as an essential component for the successful implementation of fire management strategies.
In conclusion, the committee reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing forest fire prevention and control measures in J&K through collaboration, preparedness, and resource mobilization. The Department is determined to ensure that forest fire preparedness remains a top priority, and all necessary measures are taken to protect the state’s forests and natural resources. With these proactive plans in place, the department aims to minimize the risks posed by forest fires during the upcoming fire season.
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