Jaipur: National Green Tribunal’s Central Zone Bench has directed Rajasthan forest department to strictly comply with the forest-fire management provisions of Rajasthan Forest Manual and adopt necessary equipment and technology to prevent and control forest fires.Disposing of an application Wednesday, a bench of Justice Sheo Kumar Singh and expert member Afroz Ahmad directed the department to ensure regular patrolling by forest officials and employees for early detection and prompt control of fires.The case concerned a fire in Kumbhalgarh forest area of Rajsamand district in April. According to the forest department’s report, staff, fire watchers and villagers reached the site after the fire was detected during routine patrolling on the evening of April 28.Strong winds caused sparks to spread through dry grass and leaves in Paler forest compartment towards another hillside. The teams formed groups and created fire lines by clearing dry grass and leaves. Using tree bark, branches and twigs, they brought the fire under control by midnight between April 28 and 29.An assessment on April 29 found that 120 hectares of forest area had been affected. The department reported that dry grass and leaves were burnt and no wildlife was harmed.The department said dry leaves were subsequently cleared from nearby drains and gullies using blowers, while fire lines were prepared around the affected area to prevent a recurrence. Forest staff, fire watchers and local villagers were also alerted.The department informed the tribunal that 583 km of fire lines had been constructed and 326 km maintained under various schemes. It said Rs 107.20 lakh was spent during 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26 on construction and maintenance of fire lines in Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and Rawali-Todgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. Water spray machines, fire kits, beaters and water bottles had also been procured.The department further said 1,238 Van Mitras had been registered in the division to coordinate with forest personnel and residents during fire emergencies.Rajasthan Forest Manual identifies March to the onset of monsoon as the main fire season, citing dry grass, shrubs and leaf fall as key factors. It also prescribes fire-watchers, firefighting drills, equipment readiness, community participation, staff training and maintenance of fire maps.
