At a time Uttarakhand is fighting forest fires at over 900 spots, a state minister's unusual attempt to tackle the crisis has caught the attention of many on social media.
In a video in circulation online, minister Harak Singh Rawat is seen attacking the flames with a plant as a TV crew films him in action. The minister was reportedly at Garwal hills last evening when the video was taken.
The minister thrashes about with the shrub, apparently making no difference to the blaze but pressing on nevertheless.
Then the camera angle changes and the forest fire is no longer visible. Only Mr Rawat is seen, still going at the flames and producing sparks in the process.
The video drew comments from many, especially environment activists.
"The brave forest minister of Uttarakhand HarakSinghRawat is playing a huge role in dousing the #Forestfire with the latest technology. I'm sure his historical action will give us relief from the Uttarakhand forest fire," tweeted green activist Aarav Seth.
But some tweets gave a shout-out to the minister for his initiative.
On Sunday, Mr Rawat told reporters that helicopters would be used to try and douse the fires.
"Fire broke out at 964 locations in state. Seven animals and four persons died and two persons were injured. The weather made it challenging for the state government. The Chief Minister (Tirath Singh Rawat) and I are monitoring situation separately. We'll try to douse the fire with helicopters," said the minister.
From Bolivia To Indonesia, Deforestation Continues Apace Pics: A Continent Ablaze - South America Surpasses Record For Forest Fires Brazilians "Struggle To Breathe" As Amazon Forest Burns In Wildfire Is Safe Car Enough? Volvo Crash That Killed CEO, Family Sparks Big Question "Nothing Short Of Nightmare": Woman Misses Life Event, Slams Air India Pics: Rahul Gandhi's Family Lunch At Iconic Delhi Restaurant Public Sector Hydropower Company Hiring For 118 Posts, Check Details Delhi's Air Quality Turns 'Severe' Despite GRAP-4 Restrictions PM Modi Meets Yoga Practitioner, Other Influencers In Kuwait Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.