Bhaderwah Battles Dry Season: 24/7 Control Rooms Set Up to Stop Forest Fires
Bhaderwah administration launches round-the-clock control rooms and firefighting drills to protect forests from dry season fire outbreaks.
As the dry season sets in, the Forest Division in Bhaderwah, Jammu and Kashmir, has launched a massive preparedness drive to combat the rising threat of Bhaderwah forest fire control. To ensure a rapid response to any blaze, the administration has established round-the-clock control rooms across four critical forest ranges, deploying specialized teams to safeguard the region's lush greenery.
Strategic Deployment Across Four Ranges
The forest department has strategically placed these 24/7 control rooms in the Neeru, Kellar, Bhalessa, and Chiralla ranges. This preventive strategy is designed to monitor forest areas closely and ensure that any spark is extinguished before it turns into a catastrophe.
The firefighting force is a joint effort, comprising dedicated personnel from:
- The Territorial Forest Wing
- The Forest Protection Force
- The State Forest Corporation (SFC)
These teams are fully equipped with the necessary tools and gear to contain fire outbreaks and prevent them from spreading through the dense woodland.
Data-Driven Defense: Mapping Vulnerable Zones
The strategy isn't just about manpower; it's about intelligence. Bhaderwah Divisional Forest Officer Devinder Kumar revealed that the department has used a decade's worth of data to identify high-risk areas.
"We've mapped out every range across different locations to identify which compartments are highly vulnerable. We shortlisted these compartments using data from the last 10 years," Kumar stated.
By placing joint control rooms directly adjacent to these vulnerable compartments, the department has ensured that staff from social forestry, the protection force, and the SFC are positioned exactly where they are needed most. These hubs remain in constant communication with Fire and Emergency Services for seamless resource mobilization.
Preparing for the Worst: Drills and Past Challenges
To ensure the teams aren't caught off guard, the department is conducting rigorous firefighting drills. These exercises are aimed at familiarizing personnel with emergency response procedures and testing their readiness to handle real-life fire scenarios.
The urgency of these measures is underscored by last year's statistics. DFO Devinder Kumar noted that he personally handled between 30 to 35 forest fire cases last year, with several fires covering more than one hectare of land. With dry leaves and grass acting as fuel, the risk of uncontrollable flames posing a threat to wildlife and nearby human settlements remains high.
A Call to Citizens: The Danger of Field Burning
While the administration is on high alert, officials are urging the public to play their part. A significant cause of forest fires is the practice of burning agricultural fields near forest fringes.
DFO Kumar appealed to local residents to be extremely cautious, warning that a small field fire can quickly transition into an uncontrolled forest fire, which is incredibly difficult to extinguish given the remote and rugged terrain of the region.
The administration has urged every responsible citizen to remain vigilant and immediately report any signs of smoke or fire to the authorities to help protect the region's invaluable forest resources.