Shah Hilal
ISLAMABAD
Given the prolonged dry spell prevailing in the Kashmir valley especially in Islamabad’s Shahabad belt, the grasses and humus layer of forests has completely dried and even a spark can cause heavy forest fires.
In this connection, Forest Protection Force concerned has appealed Gujjar-Bakerwal, Nomads, shepherds and people living in vicinity of forests to remain extra cautious while moving through the forests.
They have been advised not to lit any kind of fire in the forests as fire incidences have increased in whole valley.
“If fire occurs in any compartment, people are requested to assist the field staff in fire fighting/extinguishing measures as you reap the benefits of forests by means of grazing, firewood etc,” said Range Officer Verinag, Peerzada Riyaz Ahmad.
Further the Range Officer warned that if anybody was found violating the norms in this regard or found unnecessarily wandering in the forests action warranted under rules will be taken against the erring persons.
