In a stern rebuke to the Uttarakhand government, the Supreme Court on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the devastating forest fires raging across the state. The court stressed that relying solely on cloud seeding or hoping for divine intervention is akin to abdicating responsibility and urged the authorities to implement effective preventive measures to combat this crisis.
The Uttarakhand government presented an interim status report outlining the steps taken to control the fires, including the deployment of Indian Air Force helicopters for firefighting operations. The court, however, emphasized that these efforts were insufficient and that the government must prioritize proactive measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The court emphasized that the government’s reliance on cloud seeding or divine intervention was tantamount to shirking its duty to protect the state’s natural resources and ensure the safety of its citizens. The court urged the authorities to focus on implementing robust fire prevention systems, including fire detection and monitoring technology, and to raise public awareness about responsible forest management practices.
The court also expressed concern over the loss of human lives due to the fires and directed the government to provide adequate compensation and support to the affected families. The government was further instructed to conduct a thorough investigation into the causes of the fires and take appropriate action against those responsible.
The Supreme Court’s intervention serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for concerted efforts to prevent and combat forest fires. It is imperative that the Uttarakhand government takes immediate action to implement comprehensive preventive measures and ensure the long-term protection of the state’s forests and the well-being of its citizens.
