Forest protection force required

Like all previous years, this year too raging forest fires engulfed vast patches of forests in Uttaranchal.
The loss of flora and fauna was colossal and as many as ten people were reported to have lost their lives in these fires. Despite increasing incidence of forest fires, a forest protection force is yet to see the light of the day in Uttaranchal.
It is time now for the state government to wake up to the gravity of the situation. But as and when it happens, the forest protection force must look at the role that can be played by the local community in controlling forest fires.
There is a need to evolve an effective partnership between the people and the forest administration. Over the years people have been alienated from the forests and this has resulted in lack of co-operation among the villagers in controlling major disasters such as forest fires. Without their partnership forests cannot be protected.
As most of the fire is started because of dry leaves and twigs lying on the forest floor, the government must look at plans to fund villagers for collecting dry leaves, which can be used for making charcoal and bricks. Approximately 70 per cent of the state is under forests and the value of the forests as a natural resource for Uttaranchal cannot be underestimated for long.