The Supreme Court directed the Uttarakhand government on Wednesday to address the forest fires plaguing the state, emphasizing that relying solely on nature for relief wasnt the solution. The apex court stressed the need for proactive measures and urged authorities to take preventive actions to tackle the issue effectively.The Uttarakhand government informed the apex court that the state had witnessed 398 forest fires since last November. Deputy Advocate General, Jatinder Kumar Sethi, highlighted that the majority of these fires were caused by human activities, leading to the filing of 388 criminal cases and the arrest of 60 individuals for violating regulations. Sethi stated that only a minimal 0.1 percent of wildlife areas were affected by the fires, attributing the blazes to human negligence.Courts responseRejecting the notion of relying on cloud seeding or prayers for rain, the bench underscored the importance of preventive measures. Inquiring about casualties, the court was informed of five deaths related to the fires. An applicant, intervening in the case, criticized the states handling of the situation, alleging that election-related duties diverted resources from fire management. He lamented the inadequate equipment provided to firefighting personnel. The Supreme Court adjourned the hearing to May 15 for further deliberation on the matter.Recent incidents of wildfiresEarlier this month, forest fires encroached dangerously close to residential areas in Nainital, prompting temporary halts in boating activities for firefighting efforts. The Indian Air Force and the army deployed helicopters and personnel to contain the blazes, reflecting the severity of the situation. Nainital, renowned for its scenic beauty and Naini Lake, faces ongoing challenges as fires continue to ravage various regions across Uttarakhand. Authorities persist in their efforts to extinguish the flames and safeguard the states natural resources.
