Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Launches Pine Collection Mission to Prevent Forest Fires

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami of Uttarakhand has started a mission-mode pine collection to manage forest fires effectively. He emphasized the importance of setting targets for pine collection in each forest division covered with pine trees.

In line with his instructions, the Additional Chief Forest Conservator for Forest Fire and Disaster Management has directed various Regional Divisional Forest Officers to implement the collection of pine needles, known as Pirul, in mission mode. The regions include Almora, Champawat, Garhwal, Bageshwar, Mussoorie, Lansdowne, Nainital, Civil Almora, Uttarkashi, Tehri, Tons, Pithoragarh, Upper Yamuna Barkot, Narendranagar, Haldwani, Rudraprayag, Chakrata, Badrinath, Ramnagar, and Civil Soyam Kalsi.

The Chief Minister has also instructed the establishment of briquette or pallet units in every pine-covered regional range. These units will use the collected Pirul to produce briquettes or pallets, which entrepreneurs can sell. This initiative aims to reduce forest fires and provide income and employment opportunities for local people.

To achieve these goals, a target has been set to establish at least one briquette or pallet unit in each range with a pine collection target of 5000 hectares. Forest officers will coordinate with district-level officers from the Industries and Rural Development Department to select entrepreneurs and inform them about the support provided by the State Government and Forest Department.

The Divisional Forest Officers are required to complete the establishment of these units within three months, by September 2024, and provide a compliance report. The progress will be reviewed every 15 days by the concerned Chief Conservators of Forests or Conservators of Forests.