Chandigarh, June 5: The Chandigarh Administration has decided to deploy forest watchers across vulnerable forest areas to strengthen fire prevention measures and protect the city’s green cover. The move comes as authorities prepare for the dry season, when the risk of forest fires typically rises.
Under the plan, the Forest and Wildlife Department will station watchers in sensitive locations and assign them duties such as regular patrolling, fire surveillance, reporting hazards, preventing illegal activities, and monitoring forest boundaries. Officials will focus particularly on areas that have witnessed fire incidents in the past and forest zones along the Haryana border.
The decision follows growing concerns over forest fires in northern India. Recent wildfires in Himachal Pradesh’s Kasauli region required a large-scale response involving the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and local authorities. The incident highlighted the need for early detection and swift action to prevent fires from spreading and causing widespread damage.
Officials believe the deployment will help identify potential threats quickly and improve emergency response capabilities. The administration also plans to continue its ongoing conservation efforts through afforestation drives, wildlife protection programmes, and maintenance of reserve forest areas.
Environmentalists have welcomed the initiative, saying that constant monitoring remains one of the most effective ways to reduce fire risks. They also stressed the importance of public awareness and community participation in protecting forests.
With the new measures in place, Chandigarh hopes to strengthen its wildfire preparedness and safeguard its forests, wildlife, and ecological resources from future threats.
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