Forest fire in J

Srinagar, June 16 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir government has prepared a Rs 25 crore project to prevent, control and manage fires in the Jammu region.

Jammu and Kashmir forest and environment minister Qazi Mohammad Afzal has also instructed Principal Chief Conservator of Forests to submit a detailed report on fire control for the state to be taken up in the 11th plan meeting.

The Minister said intermittent fires in forests are of great concern and a comprehensive mechanism is needed to prevent such fires to avoid heavy losses to forests every year.

Chairing a meeting of officers of forest department here today, Qazi Afzal said that Jammu region is more prone to fire incidents than Kashmir region and asked the concerned to make the required strategy for saving forest from such calamities.

The meeting was informed that this year there has been a gradual decrease in fire incidents because of control operations.

It was also said range wise fire fighting units have been created to fight the fire effectively without loss of time.

However, despite all measures, fire destroyed forests in Jammu and Kashmir last month because of dry weather.

UNI