An IAF Mi 17 chopper today flew several sorties in Nainital district sprinkling water lifted from a lake to douse the raging forest fires that have destroyed vast swathes of forested land across Uttarakhand.
Speaking about the measures being taken by the Centre to contain the Uttarakhand forest fire, Union Home MinisterRajnath Singh on Monday said that he was in regular touch with officials of the hill state, adding the situation was under control.
Low visibility, however, prevented a second chopper from being deployed in Pauri district for the aerial operations in the hill state which commenced today as part of efforts to control the fires that has killed seven persons and destroyed 2,269 hectares of forested land. The fire has also spread to sparsely populated remote hill areas.
“I am in regular tough with local officials and have also spoken to the Governor (K K Paul). I have discussed the fire issue with officials at the Centre and took stock of the situation there (in Uttarakhand) and directed officials on the measures that need to be taken,” he said.
Stating that he has been informed the situation is normal in the hill state, Singh added whether it is the Indian Air Force, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) or the local administration all of them are putting their best efforts.
The Home Minister, who reviewed the situation yesterday, has offered all assistance to the hill state.
He held discussions with the Chief Secretary and other officials of the Uttarakhand Government. He also discussed the crisis during a telephonic conversation with Uttarakhand Governor K K Paul.