RAMBAN: Given the recent surge in fire incidents in Banihal and its adjoining areas, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Rizwan Asgar on Friday convened a coordination meeting with key stakeholders to devise effective strategies for prevention and management.
The SDM emphasized the importance of identifying suspects involved in causing fire incidents and taking stringent actions to issue deterrence. Stressing the need for a coordinated approach, he urged all stakeholders to collaborate effectively in containing and mitigating fire incidents.
To tackle this issue, a coordination team was constituted comprising manpower from different departments, including Social Forestry, Forest Protection Force, Fire and Emergency Services, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). Additionally, NGO Banihal and Red Cross volunteers pledged their support by contributing manpower to address this menace.
The SDM also directed Forest Department officials to conduct widespread awareness campaigns among forest dwellers and the local populace to educate them about fire prevention measures and the importance of safeguarding forest resources.
The meeting was attended by Tehsildar Banihal, SHO Banihal, Range Officers from Forest and Social Forestry, representatives from 12 RR, SDRF, Wildlife Department, FPF, NGO heads, and members of local youth clubs.
