Dehradun, April 28 -- Forests are engulfed in fire across the state in, both, Garhwal and Kumaon regions. As per the estimates given by the State Forest Department, more than 656 hectares of the forest area have been affected due to fires this season already. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has taken serious note of the raging forest fires and has directed immediate action to prevent forest fires. Chief Secretary Radha Raturi has also chaired a meeting with the divisional forest officers and the SSPs of all the districts, directing all possible steps to prevent and control forest fires but nothing seems to be working effectively enough.

It appears that the Forest Department is just not equipped to deal effectively with the forest fire...