Summary:
The forest department has taken over control of forest areas, denying access to local people.”Anil Joshi, president of Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organization (HESCO), said it was not possible for the poorly staffed forest department to handle a massive forest fire with limited means. It is important that the state and Centre work together to amend forest policies and involve local people in conservation efforts. Water holes can be created and trees planted to retain greater moisture in the forest. “Local people are the first to know when a fire starts. “Trees are deliberately burnt, and then permission is sought to remove burnt trees and sell them..