A routine fire-prevention drive turned tragic on Friday when Anand Lal (53), a temporary forest worker, slipped and fell into a gorge near Birla Chungi in Nainital while clearing dry bushes.
He was rushed to B D Pandey Hospital but was declared dead on arrival. Officials stated that Lal, a daily-wage worker hired for the fire season, showed no external injuries. The exact cause of death will be confirmed after a postmortem examination.
DFO Aakash Gangwar confirmed that the department is completing all formalities and that compensation will be provided under accidental insurance coverage.
Incident Details
The accident occurred during a routine operation to clear dry vegetation, aimed at reducing fire risks in the forested area. Lal was part of a team engaged in this preventive measure when he lost his footing and plunged into the deep gorge.
Response and Investigation
Forest officials and local police immediately responded, retrieving Lal and transporting him to the hospital. However, medical staff could not revive him. The postmortem will determine if internal injuries caused his death.
The department has assured that the family will receive financial support under the accidental insurance scheme applicable to temporary workers. Further investigations are ongoing to ensure safety protocols are reviewed.
Background
Anand Lal had been employed on a temporary basis for the fire season, a common practice in the region to manage forest fire risks. Such workers often perform hazardous tasks with limited safety equipment.
This incident highlights the dangers faced by daily-wage forest workers in Uttarakhand, where rugged terrain and challenging conditions are prevalent. The forest department has expressed condolences and pledged to expedite compensation.
