This Article is From May 02, 2016

Uttarakhand Forest Fires: Centre Says Situation Under Control

Uttarakhand Forest Fires: Centre Says Situation Under Control

6,000 men, including the Army, the Air Force and three teams of National Disaster Relief Force work round the clock to contain the fires.

New Delhi: The Centre today said the situation in Uttarakhand, where wild fires have engulfed large swathes of forested land, is under control now.

"As per the latest information, fire has been contained. Situation is under control now," Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju told reporters in Delhi.

The Minister said a team of experts has already reached Uttarakhand to ascertain the cause of fire and extent of damage.

Mr Rijiju said, if required, the central government will send more forces to the hill state to assist the state government in dousing the fires.

More than 6,100 personnel and three Indian Air Force (IAF) choppers fitted with Bambi bucket to carry water have been deployed in Uttarakhand to extinguish multiple forest fires.

A four-member Central team of experts, including Special Director Centre for Fire Explosives KC Wadha and director of Delhi Fire Services GC Misra have reached Uttarakhand to assess the situation and suggest possible remedies.
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