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In a scathing rebuke to the Uttarakhand government’s handling of the devastating forest fires raging across the state, the Supreme Court has summoned the Chief Secretary to answer questions regarding the inadequate response to the crisis. The court’s ire was particularly directed towards the misallocation of funds and the deployment of forest department employees for election duties amidst the ongoing fire emergency.
During the court proceedings on May 17, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the government, disclosed that out of the Rs 9.2 crore allocated from the CAMPA fund by the Central Government, only a meager Rs 2 crore had been utilized by the Uttarakhand administration. The court criticized both the state and central governments for this apparent lapse, demanding explanations for the underutilization of the funds intended for forest fire management.
Expressing dismay at the state government’s apparent lack of urgency, the Supreme Court questioned why forest department personnel were diverted for election duties instead of combating the raging infernos. Justices admonished the government for its failure to fully implement preparedness plans and allocate resources effectively, especially in the face of escalating forest fires.
Furthermore, the court highlighted the need for proactive measures, pointing to innovative solutions such as the utilization of pine needles for electricity generation by the Kumaon Regiment. Petitioner Rajeev Dutta brought attention to deliberate acts of arson for profit, accusing some individuals of exploiting the crisis for personal gain.
In response to the court’s scrutiny, the Uttarakhand government pledged to withdraw forest department staff from election duties and refocus efforts on fire suppression. They reported the engagement of over 9,000 personnel in firefighting operations and the registration of 420 cases related to arson.
As villages in the vicinity of Nainital continue to grapple with the devastating impact of the forest fires, the Supreme Court emphasized the urgent need for coordinated action at both the state and national levels. The court suggested the formation of a committee involving both state and central authorities to address the ongoing crisis effectively.
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