HP govt issues toll-free number to report forest fires

Shimla: To ensure a quick response to forest fire incidents during the summer season, the Himachal Pradesh forest department has launched a toll-free helpline number, 1800-180-1916, for immediate reporting of such events.The initiative aims to help authorities control fires promptly and protect the state's rich forest wealth. Forest fire incidents generally increase during the summer due to rising temperatures and heatwave conditions.Human negligence, such as discarding burning cigarette butts in forest areas or starting fires for various activities, is a major cause of forest fires.So far this year, Himachal Pradesh has witnessed very few forest fire cases. The decline is mainly due to continuous rainfall, hailstorms and snowfall experienced in many regions of the state in May.Last year, the state had recorded 1,038 forest fire incidents till May 29.MSID:: 131225477 413 |