A man accused of deliberately setting fire to a forest area in Rudraprayag has been arrested after he was identified through drone surveillance by the forest department, officials said on Friday.
Incident and Arrest
Forest officials said Trilok Singh Jagwan was spotted on Wednesday purportedly lighting a fire in a forest area in the Jakholi range of Rudraprayag district during a drone monitoring exercise conducted by divisional forest officer Rajat Suman. The forest ranger of Badma section and beat officer of Taila were informed, following which a team was dispatched to the spot to apprehend the accused.
Officials said Jagwan had escaped under the cover of darkness but was arrested on Thursday after officials initiated an investigation and questioned residents. Jagwan admitted his guilt and a case was registered under sections 26(b) and 26(g) of the Indian Forest Act, 1927. The offences carry provisions for financial penalties and imprisonment of up to two years.
Use of Technology and Public Awareness
“We are using modern technology to control forest fires and protect forest resources. If anyone is found deliberately setting fire to forest areas, legal action will be taken against them,” said DFO Suman, adding that the department’s priority was to prevent forest fires with public participation and awareness campaigns. “A forest fire safety week was also observed by us from May 5 to May 11 in rural areas,” he said.
The DFO said that as many as 13 people have been arrested in the current fire season in connection with forest fire incidents.
About the Author
Prashasti Singh, a Dehradun-based journalist, focuses on human-interest stories that link local issues to wider national conversations. She covers developments across genres, with a special interest in civic issues, education, and the environment.
