PANAJI
While imposing a ban on open burning in the forest areas ahead of upcoming festivities like Shimgostav and Holi, the forest department said that worshipping or performing rituals in forest or protected areas poses a potential threat of wild fires.
The Deputy Conservator of Forests (wildlife and eco-tourism- North) in a circular issued has warned to take action against the violators as per provision of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The department has issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for forest fire prevention, which are to be adhered strictly.
The department has asked the citizens to report any suspicious activity that could lead to intentional or accidental forest fires. “In light of approaching festive occasions like Shimgostav/Holi festivities, it is noted from past instances that public enter into forest areas/protected areas for worshipping or performing rituals which could be potential threats resulting in forest fires,” the deputy conservator Prem Kumar said in the circular issued.
He pointed out that entry to protected areas with any inflammable material / or setting up of fire in any form is a punishable offence as per provision of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
“Open burning of any kind, including but not limited to campfires, debris burning, and the disposal of lit cigarettes/agarbatis/any ritual material that would leave any fire in forest area unattended shall be punishable as per law,” he said.
The department has said that smoking shall be discouraged in forested areas and proper disposal of cigarette butts in designated containers is to be ensured failing which violators would be booked as per law.
Last summer, the State had reported 74 sporadic fire incidents covering wildlife sanctuaries, reserve forests, private forest and communidade land. Nearly 4.18 square kilometres of forest area including 2.27 sq kms in three wildlife sanctuaries were affected due to the fire.
The SOP laid down by the Forest department to prevent forest fires includes: The SOPs for preventing forest fires include: Regular clearing of dry vegetation; caution with equipment that may produce sparks; avoidance of driving or parking vehicles in tall grass or dry vegetation; strict prohibition of waste disposal in forested areas; monitoring weather conditions.
