Kamalanagar, 17 February, 2024: In an effort to combat the recurring threat of wildfires during the jhum burning season, a βFire Awareness Campaignβ was organized by the Environment, Forest & Climate Change Department, Chakma Autonomous District Council, on Saturday at the CADC Rest House Conference Hall, Kamalanagar. The programme was chaired by Dg. Dg. Daya Moy Dhamei, DCCF, CADC and graced by the presence of Dg. Kalasoga Chakma, Executive Member and in-Charge CEM as the Chief Guest, Village Council Presidents, representatives of YCA branches and officials from various departments of CADC.
The participants discussed at length the fixation of suitable date for completion of jhum burning in CADC area and formulation of effective strategies for prevention of fires, considering the substantial loss of forest resources and valuable assets to uncontrolled wildfires during the Jhum burning season in the past years. The Chairman, Dg. Daya Moy Dhamei, DCCF, CADC, stressed on the need for concerted efforts of all stakeholders in raising awareness among the general public on the threat of wildfires and the need for effective measures to prevent such untoward incidents.
Dg. Kalasoga Chakma, the Chief Guest, in his address urged the Village Councils and NGOs to cooperate with the department in educating the public on effective fire prevention. He also requested the Village Councils and NGOs to identify potential supply reserves within their jurisdictions and obtain LSC passes from the Land Revenue & Settlement Department. As an incentive, the Chief Guest announced cash prizes of Rs.20,000, Rs.15,000, and Rs.10,000, respectively, to the three best performing Village Councils in fire prevention and control.
The following resolutions were unanimously taken in the meeting:
- Burning of Jhum is to be completed on or before 15th March, 2024, throughout the CADC in compliance with the deadline set by the State government;
- Village Councils and NGOs to select safety/supply reserves within their respective areas and apply for LSC passes from the Land Revenue & Settlement Department. Any destruction of trees in these protected areas will result in stringent actions against the individuals involved.
- Village Councils and NGOs to disseminate government order pertaining to Jhum burning and other precautionary measures for prevention of fire incidents; and,
- Cash awards of Rs.20,000, Rs.15,000, and Rs.10,000 to be awarded to the three best-performing villages in fire prevention and control.