Crucially, a comparative study of the area’s vegetation two months prior is also conducted. “If an area previously covered in dense vegetation now shows a burnt spot, it is definitively classified as a fire-affected zone,” explained a department source.Despite claims of extensive efforts to protect forests, including proactive measures like controlled burning, incidents persist. In 2024, the state’s forest department undertook controlled burning across 201,253.94 hectares in 25 forest divisions.Yet, even after these preventative measures, 1,276 fire incidents allegedly occurred, affecting an additional 1,771 hectares of forest land.When contacted by regarding these contradictory figures, Uttarakhand Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal stated, “This matter is not yet in my knowledge. It will be investigated. Only after thorough verification from both sides can anything be said about the reality.”Echoing the need for clarity, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Sameer Sinha told this newspaper, “The assessment of forest fires is primarily done according to Forest Survey of India data. Additionally, direct satellite data is also received and used for assessment. However, the contradiction between FSI and Forest Department data, which has come to our attention, will be thoroughly examined.”
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