Dehradun: Preparations are underway to cut down five lakh trees in Uttarakhand as a preventive measure against forest fires. This is the first time since 1996 that such an extensive operation is being conducted to remove trees growing in fire lines between the forests. The forest department has initiated this process.
In Uttarakhand, the forest fire season runs from February 15 to June 15. During this period, the forest department takes necessary steps to protect the forests from fires, primarily by clearing fire lines. As part of these efforts, the forest department is now preparing to cut down five lakh trees grown in these fire lines, and the tree-felling has already begun.
Supreme Court revised its decision regarding the fire line, no cleaning of fire line since 1996
Due to an order in the Godha Varman case, the Supreme Court had banned the cutting of trees in forests at elevations above one thousand meters. As a result, trees in the fire line in Uttarakhand, which have grown since 1996, could not be cut down. These trees have now become gigantic, turning the fire line into a forest, making it difficult to prevent the spread of forest fires.
On April 18, 2023, the Supreme Court revised its decision regarding the fire line. Following this decision, the Chief Conservator of Forests (HOF) directed all Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) on October 28 to clear the fire line.
3.50 lakh trees will be cut in Garhwal division, 1.5 lakh in Kumaon
Preparations are in progress to cut down five lakh trees that have grown in the fire line since 1996. Out of these, 1.50 lakh trees will be felled in the Kumaon division of Uttarakhand, while 3.50 lakh trees will be cut in the Garhwal division. Forest officials have already commenced the process of removing the trees from the fire line. According to officials, they have received instructions from the Chief Forest Conservator’s office to clear the fire line.
