Mobile announcements warn against human negligence; seek public participation
DALHOUSIE: The Dalhousie Forest Division in Himachal Pradesh has launched a unique mobile audio campaign to raise awareness about forest fire prevention.
Using a microphone and sound system mounted on a Rapid Response Team (RRT) vehicle, forest officials are touring villages, markets and areas adjacent to forests, warning people about the dangers of forest fires and urging them to avoid any activity that could spark a blaze.
The campaign is designed to reach remote and vulnerable areas where accidental or deliberate fires often begin.
“We are appealing to people not to light fires in or near forests and to refrain from actions that could lead to such disasters,” said a forest official. “The fires don’t just destroy trees, but also pose a serious threat to wildlife.”
Forest fires a recurring annual threat
Himachal Pradesh has a history of devastating forest fires that annually damage its rich green cover and biodiversity.
Thousands of hectares of forest land have been lost to fire in past years, particularly during the dry summer months. These fires not only endanger wildlife but also contribute to air pollution, soil degradation and long-term ecological imbalance.
The state’s forest wealth, comprising dense deodar, pine and oak forests, is both ecologically sensitive and economically significant.
Community involvement and strict action
Forest officials heading the campaign said it would be extended to more areas in the coming days and that community participation would be a key component.
Local residents will be encouraged to act as fire watchers and inform the department of any suspicious activity or fire outbreaks.
“If anyone is found intentionally starting a fire, strict legal action will be taken,” the officials warned, underlining the department’s commitment to prevention and accountability.
Subhash Mahajan
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