In a scathing rebuke, the Supreme Court castigated the Uttarakhand government for its “lackadaisical” approach to controlling forest fires. On Wednesday, a bench headed by Justice B.R. Gavai demanded that the state’s Chief Secretary appear in person before the court on May 17 to address the issue.
The bench, also comprising Justices S.V.N. Bhatti and Sandeep Mehta, expressed deep concern over the state’s failure to implement numerous action plans designed to combat forest fires. Despite the formulation of multiple strategies, the court noted, there has been a glaring absence of concrete steps towards their execution. This negligence has exacerbated the severity and frequency of forest fires in the region. Moreover, the apex court highlighted the significant vacancies within the state’s forest department, a critical issue that undermines the effective management and prevention of forest fires. The bench stressed the urgent need for the Uttarakhand government to address these staffing shortages to enhance the department’s operational capacity.
The Supreme Court’s scrutiny came during the hearing of a plea concerning the rampant forest fires in Uttarakhand. The state’s forest fires have been a recurring problem, causing extensive environmental damage, threatening wildlife, and endangering human lives. The court’s intervention underscores the gravity of the situation and the necessity for immediate and decisive action by the state government. The Uttarakhand government now faces the challenge of demonstrating its commitment to resolving these issues. The Chief Secretary’s upcoming court appearance is expected to shed light on the state’s plans to rectify its approach and effectively manage forest fire risks. This judicial directive reflects a broader call for accountability and proactive governance in dealing with environmental crises. The Supreme Court’s stance serves as a reminder of the critical importance of diligent implementation of action plans and robust institutional support to safeguard the environment and public welfare.
