J&K Forest Department conducts Training on “Forest Fire Prevention and Management”

Srinagar, March 5 (PTK) Initiatives of the forest department in sustainable utilization of Chir Pine needles in making handicrafts by women SHGs and Biomass to Energy in rural areas has been gaining momentum under the new NTFP policy which is helping prevention of fires and creation of livelihood. Further, in order to improve the response time to any fire incidents steps were already taken to improve the mobilization of field staff and equip them with locally fabricated equipment.

Sarvesh Rai, PCCF/ CEO CAMPA, J&K has emphasized the inclusive and holistic approach to Forest Fire Prevention and Mitigation measures which includes Greening measure, soil & water conservation measures, fire prevention measures by way of consultation and coordination with PRIs. He also discussed the financial support of CAMPA in prevention and control of forest fires.

B.M. Sharma, APPCF Jammu stated during the address that the workshop aims to impart fundamental and technical aspects of Forest Fire Management to frontline staff of Territorial, Wildlife, Forest Protection Force and Social Forestry Department and also involves representatives of PRI in order to achieve coordinated outcome during a fire emergency. Fire & Emergency Department and SDRF has been involved in the mock drill session to ensure cross sectoral coordination at the field level.

Success stories in respect of Fire Prevention and control operations in respect of Udhampur and Nowshera Forest Division were discussed where schemes under J&K CAMPA were implemented under the theme bio- mass to energy initiatives and coordination with other agencies in successful control of major Forest fires. Thoru Ram, Sarpanch Panjgrain has emphasized the role of panchayats, Biodiversity Management Committee, Joint Forest Management Committee in conservation of forest resources against any resource degradation practices and stated that villagers should adopt forest-based livelihood initiatives of forest department. He praised the department for creation of water harvesting/ storage structures in kandi areas.

In the technical session, mock drills were conducted regarding the use of Forest Fire Equipment and Standard Operating Procedures to be followed during a fire emergency. Demonstrations regarding First Aid, Rescue and Evacuation Operations were conducted by the Fire & Emergency and SDRF- 2nd Battalion Jammu. The session was attended by 80 No. of frontline staff of Territorial, Wildlife, Forest Protection Force and Social Forestry Departments, besides, 15 members of PRIs. During the mock drill special demonstration was conducted on the operation of Drone for Forest Fire Monitoring and Damage Assessment.

NO: PR/DDI/J-6435//  (PTK)