Even as the massive fire in the jungles of Uttarakhand is slowly being brought under control, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on Monday said that four people have been arrested for allegedly for starting the fire.
"From 1300, the fire has been reduced to less than 100 locations. Four people have been arrested yesterday who were trying to start the fire in jungle, as people suspected, in some places that is true. We have alerted all the states, whatever needs to be done will be done," Javadekar claimed.
There have been reports that timber mafia could have a hand in starting the fire in the forest as they stand to benefit the most if trees get burnt.
While Javadekar refused to comment on the extent of involvement of timber mafia behind the massive fire, he said probe has been ordered and culprits will be brought to book. "Not a single inch of forest land will be allowed to be enchroached by anybody," he asserted.
Even as the Centre's handling of the forest fires has come under attack from the Congress, Javadekar said the government was taking the incident "very seriously". "Government is taking the forest fires of Uttarakhand very seriously. 6,000 people have been deployed for fighting it. We have also granted Rs 5 crore to the state," he said.
Javadekar added that fire is often reported in the current season. "April and May is the season where forests catch fire because of complete dryness, terrible heat and and no humidity," he stated.
The Union Minister said that the Centre is keeping a close watch on the situation, assuring that the fire would be brought under control in the next three to four days. "I immediately sent the DG Forests. He is there and is leading the operations. The amount required has been released. PMO, NDRF and IAF are working together. I am sure the fire will be brought under control in three-four days," he said.
The fire, which started in the first week of February, has reportedly killed seven people and destroyed 2,269 hectares of forested land.
Comments
0 comment