Third meeting of High Level Inter-Departmental Working Group was held today under the chair of IG Forest, Syed Ghulam Qadir Shah and attended by representatives of CDA, ICT police, Pak MET Department, DG EPA, IWMB, and PID. CDA apprised the forum about awareness campaign launched by installing banners at all entry points of MHNP. Owing to well coordinated efforts among all concerned departments and recent rains on two consecutive days in ICT during last week, significant reduction of forest fires incidences was observed. CDA informed that a small forest fire erupted at Siniari Dara today at 1345 hours which was successfully controlled by 1418 hours due to rapid response by CDA teams. The representative of ICT Police apprised the forum that of three FIRs lodged against which three persons have been arrested and one person who was prosecuted and had been sent to jail for one month. Moreover, ICT police was also in coordination with Haripur DPO and D.C to promote coordinated efforts. Representative of PAK MET department apprised the forum that for next 5 to 6 days, no rainfall was expected and there was rising trend of daytime temperatures. Representative of IWMB apprised the forum that they were conducting a study on damage assessment regarding forest fires in MHNP, which would be completed in a week’s time. Moreover, CDA and IWMB are coordinating with local communities to sensitize them, the forum was informed. It was decided that during Eid vacations the vigilance would be enhanced to avoid any untoward situation. It was informed that CDA has dedicated two spots including Lake View Park and Lotus Park for BBQ and picnics during Eid holidays. The chair of the Inter-Departmental Working Group, while appreciating the joint actions remarked that well coordinated efforts and quickest response by the concerned departments has brought the forest fire situation under control, which was commendable. He concluded the meeting with note of thanks to all the participants.
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