The Uttarakhand High Court has issued a stern directive to the state's top forest officials, demanding a comprehensive report on the ongoing forest fire crisis. The court has set a clear deadline and warned of serious consequences for any failure to comply.
Court's Directives and Deadline
On Wednesday, a division bench of the Uttarakhand High Court comprising Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari and Justice Subhash Upadhyay instructed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and the head of the forest department to submit a detailed account of the forest fires raging across the state during the current fire season. The court explicitly stated that if the officials fail to provide the report, they will be required to appear in person at the next hearing, which is scheduled for January 9.
Hearing on Multiple Petitions and Expert Suggestions
The bench was hearing several public interest litigations (PILs) concerning the environmental hazard. One of these cases was taken up by the court on its own initiative (suo motu). During the proceedings, amicus curiae Dushyant Mainali informed the judges that the state government had received specific guidelines for forest fire prevention back in 2021, but these measures were never fully put into action.
The court also directed the authorities to formally respond to suggestions presented by Ajay Rawat, a prominent environmentalist based in Nainital. This move underscores the court's intent to consider expert opinion in tackling the recurring problem.
Background and Official Recommendations
The High Court's involvement in this matter dates back to 2021, when it took suo motu cognisance of widespread forest fires after reading reports in leading newspapers. The legal scrutiny has continued since then, highlighting the persistent nature of the threat to Uttarakhand's ecology.
In a related development, the State Legal Services Authority submitted a report to Chief Justice G Narendar. This report contained key recommendations urging the government to issue necessary directions for the protection of the state's forests, wildlife, and overall environment. The court's latest order is a direct step towards enforcing accountability and action based on such recommendations.
The ongoing case puts significant pressure on the forest department to not only assess the current damage but also to demonstrate a concrete and effective plan to prevent future disasters, ensuring the safety of Uttarakhand's vital natural resources.
