Four including a forest guard burnt alive in a forest fire in Almora, Ukhand, Rs 10 lakh ex gratia announced to each of the deceased’s family

Forest fires in UTTARAKHAND have become a common phenomenon with even the Supreme Court of India taking cognizance of it. Till there were reports in the past about five human casualties though the figure may be above it.

Though the statistics about the exact loss has not been ascertained but various news reports suggest that 15000 hectares of jungles have been damaged in different forest fires with flora and fauna allegedly damaged to great extent. As if this was not enough a grim ( serious) tragedy has occured in the jungle fire in Kumaon division.

According to the latest news a major tragic accident took place in Almora’s Binsar Century forests. Four people, including a forest guard, were burnt alive in the forest fire. All the four victims have succumbed to the massive forest fires. The DFO Civil Soyam Division Dhruv Martolia has confirmed the incident and subsequent tragic casualties.

According to the enraged citizens and those working to safeguard the environment one being renowned activist GOVIND GOPAL said that people who harm forests are allegedly awarded positions in organizations. In fact, working in forests has become very discouraging and unsafe as those involved in extinguishing fires have no adequate equipments or protective uniform etc.

Four people including the driver got badly burnt in the fire who have been brought to the base hospital for immediate treatment . Forest department’s Bolera vehicle was fully destroyed in the fire.

Forest fires in our state are a barometer of illegal trade in the state’s forestry resources and wildlife. Social workers working for the environment at the grassroots level are discouraged.

Social workers working for the environment at the grassroots level are discouraged.

The Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami while expressing his serious concern and sending deepest condolences over this tragic incident including announcing the financial compensation of Rs. Ten lakh to each of the deceased’s family wrote on his social media handle X : Very heartbreaking news has been received about the death of 4 forest workers due to forest fire in Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. In this hour of grief, our government stands with the families of the deceased and is committed to provide all possible help. An ex-gratia amount of Rs 10 lakh has been announced to the families of each deceased. Instructions have been given to immediately airlift the injured forest workers to Haldwani Base Hospital. I pray to God for peace to the souls of the deceased and speedy recovery of the injured.

The founder of SDC Foundation Anoop Nautiyal tweeted this :

The charred remains of the vehicle ferrying the brave foresters who were on a mission to douse forest fire in #Binsar. They passed away in the most gruesome & unfortunate manner. My thoughts are with the bereaved families, may God give them courage to bear this tragic loss. Vinmr Shradhanjali.