Teams formed to check forest fire: Addl PCCF

Expressing concern over the couple of forest fire incidences in and around the state capital, particularly in the adjoining area of Dariya Hills and right bank across Seinki River, the state Environment and Forest department has chalked out immediate plan to control the menace.
Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Rabindra Kumar, during a meeting here yesterday with departmental officers constituted a joint team from all three forest divisions of the capital, and directed to take measures to contain the situation.
A patrolling team was also pressed into service with necessary instructions both for controlling the forest fire and apprehending the offenders involved in causing such incidences in and around the capital complex, official sources said here today.

Meanwhile, concerned over wanton destruction of jungle for Jhum cultivation and establishment of new settlement areas in and around the state capital, Capital DC Mige Kamki has banned felling of trees and clearing of jungles for the purpose of jhum cultivation and establishment of new settlements in the state capital including Drupong Reserve Forest and Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary with immediate effect.
The city SP, Deputy Chief Wildlife Wardens of Itanagar and Naharlagun have been directed to enforce the prohibitory order besides prosecuting persons involved in such activities under relevant provisions of law, an official communique informed.
"Such wanton destruction of forests endangers human life and health, besides endangering the already dwindling flora and fauna of the capital city and threatening the ecological balance," the DC observed.