Dehradun, Feb. 13 -- Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has emphasized the need for public participation and coordinated efforts among various departments to combat forest fires in the state.

He directed officials to formulate future action plans based on lessons learned from past incidents and ensure active engagement of social organizations, NGOs, Mahila Mangal Dals, Yuvak Mangal Dals, and forest panchayats in fire prevention measures. He also called for strict action against anti-social elements responsible for igniting forest fires, said a press statement.

The Chief Minister issued these directives while attending a mock drill on forest fire control, organized at the State Disaster Management Authority in IT Park, Dehrad...