Pathania for comprehensive action plan to combat forest fires

Jammu, June 01: Ranbir Singh Pathania, former MLA and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson, on Saturday called for an urgent need for a comprehensive action plan to combat the widespread forest fires in the forests of Jammu and Udhampur districts.
Addressing a public meeting in Dehma, Majalta Tehsil, Pathania highlighted the severe impact of these fires on the region’s valuable forests, particularly in areas such as Sehal, Lgani, Raour, Sagoo, Surinsar, Mansar, Sewna, Ghordi, Parlidhar, Sattian, and Tarmyan.
“It is important to identify and prosecute those responsible for igniting forest fires,” he said, calling for the immediate registration of criminal cases. Holding culprits accountable is essential to prevent future occurrences of such destructive acts, he added.
The BJP leader criticised the lack of technical expertise and modern equipment among local forest staff, citing it as a significant obstacle in effectively combating forest fires. He said there is a he need for capacity building and the acquisition of the latest instruments to improve firefighting efforts.
Taking a dig at the Forest Department for its inadequate response, Pathania pointed out the lack of concrete strategies and resources to control forest fires and bring perpetrators to justice. He called for substantial efforts to compensate for the losses incurred in ecologically fragile areas of Jammu and Kashmir. “Robust strategies and resources are needed for restoring and protecting vital forest regions,” he said.
“Forest fires not only destroy trees, shrubs, and ground cover but also have detrimental effects on soil fertility, biodiversity, and animal habitats. They release significant amounts of greenhouse gases, contribute to climate change, and endanger wildlife populations,” Pathania said.