Forest dept declares fire season in Rawalpindi

Cancels holidays of field staff to ensure readiness

RAWALPINDI:

The forest department has declared “fire season" to protect forests and wildlife across Punjab including in the Rawalpindi division.

According to officials, strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are in place, regulating access for citizens and tourists. Until July 15, a prohibition is enforced on carrying items like saws, axes, knives, matches, and cigarette lighters into these areas.

Additionally, activities such as barbecues, gas cylinders used for cooking or making beverages, and cooking in the forests are strictly forbidden.

Field staff are on duty throughout the season, with holidays cancelled to ensure readiness during the hot weather. Forest offices are being set up by Divisional Forest Officers and Block Officers, equipped with motorcycles, walkie-talkies, weapons, and binoculars for patrolling and communication. Surveillance is enhanced through the installation of closed-circuit cameras in key locations and routes of various forests and parks, including Murree, Kotli Sattian, Ghora Gali, Bansra Gali, Jheka Gali, Lehtrar, Kahuta, Bin, Gulehra Gali, Kallar Syedan, Patriata, New Murree, and Aliot Government Forests and National Parks, as well as Margalla Hills Forests. Staff are on round-the-clock duty shifts.

Senior forest official Abid Hussain Gondal, emphasising foolproof security, directed DFOs, forest officers, forest guards, and block officers to prevent incidents like throwing lit cigarettes into dry leaves that could ignite fires, leading to forest damage.

To bolster fire resistance, large water ponds have been created in primary dense forest areas, ensuring quick access to water for firefighting vehicles and reducing the need for long-distance water sourcing. The fire season may extend to July 31 if exceptionally dry and hot conditions persist beyond July 15.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 27^th, 2024.