Bageshwar: A 52-year-old man accused of setting fire to his farmland has been assigned as a 'fire watcher' by the forest department as a corrective measure, officials said. The department stated that the blaze could have spread to a nearby forest area, posing a significant threat to the ecosystem.
Details of the Incident
Pushkar Singh Kanwal was caught on Wednesday during a special surveillance drive launched amid a rise in forest fire incidents across the district over the past week. Officials confirmed that he was also fined Rs 9,500 for his actions. The surveillance drive was intensified after multiple forest fires were reported in the region.
Role of the Fire Watcher
Forest range officer Shyam Singh Karayat said the department received information about a fire in the Bagjivala-Malta forest area during a checking operation. 'Kanwal will assist forest staff in monitoring fire-prone areas for a few days without any remuneration,' Karayat explained. This assignment is part of a broader effort to involve offenders in corrective activities.
Punitive and Corrective Approach
Officials described the move as both punitive and corrective. 'With forest fires becoming a recurring threat during summer, strict monitoring and prompt action are essential,' an official said. The department aims to deter others from similar actions by combining penalties with community service. This approach also helps in educating the public about the dangers of forest fires.
Other Offenders Identified
The department has also identified eight other people allegedly involved in setting fires in the Goginapani, Ghiroli, and Garud forest ranges. Investigations are ongoing, and similar corrective measures may be applied to them. The forest department is working closely with local authorities to prevent further incidents.
Forest Fire Statistics
According to forest department data, 447 fire incidents have been reported this season, affecting nearly 366 hectares of forest land. The fires have caused significant damage to flora and fauna, and efforts are underway to restore the affected areas. The department urges the public to report any suspicious activities that could lead to forest fires.
