Uttarakhand News: NGT Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Uttarakhand Wildfire Crisis

Uttarakhand News: In response to the ongoing wildfires spreading across Uttarakhand, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognisance and issued notices to several key authorities. The notices were directed at the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Uttarakhand, and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the State Disaster Management Authority.

Respondents and Affidavit Submission

All the mentioned authorities have been impleaded as respondents in the case and are required to file a detailed affidavit by the next hearing, which is scheduled for July 19. The NGT's decision follows reports highlighting the severity of forest fires in Nainital.

Escalation of Forest Fires in Nainital

The situation in Nainital escalated to such an extent that the Indian Air Force had to intervene. A helicopter was deployed to douse the flames using water from Bhimtal lake. The NGT noted the urgency of the matter, referencing recent accounts of the worsening situation in the district.

Details of the Wildfire Situation

Reports describe the forest fires as rampant, particularly affecting areas in Nainital. The fires had spread to the High Court colony in the Pines area. To combat the fires, an Indian Air Force M-17 helicopter equipped with a Bambi bucket was used to collect water from Bhimtal lake and pour it over the affected forests. The firefighting efforts covered multiple areas, including Pines, Bhumiadhar, Jyolikot, Narayan Nagar, Bhawali, Ramgarh, and Mukteshwar.

NGT's Statement

The NGT emphasized the critical nature of the situation, stating, "The news pertains to the rampant forest fires in Nainital. As per the accounts, the conflagration has now reached the HC colony in Pines area. To mitigate the situation, an Indian Air Force M-17 helicopter utilised a Bambi bucket to collect water from Bhimtal lake and subsequently poured it over the blazing forests in various areas of the district."

The NGT's intervention highlights the seriousness of the wildfire crisis in Uttarakhand and the need for coordinated efforts by state and central authorities to address and manage the situation effectively.

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