News & Announcement
Proactive Measures to Curb Forest Fires: Minister Distributes Fire-Fighting Equipment
Gangtok, February 19 (IPR): The Minister for Forest and Environment, Mines and Geology, and Science and Technology Departments Mr Pintso Namgyal Lepcha, distributed forest fire–fighting equipment to Territorial Divisions today at the Forest Control Room, Forest Secretariat, Deorali, in Gangtok.
The programme was organised by the Forest and Environment Department as part of the State’s ongoing efforts to strengthen forest fire prevention and emergency response mechanisms.
The distribution was carried out under the Annual Plan of Operation of the Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme (FFPMS) for the year 2025–26, aimed at enhancing fire safety measures and improving the operational preparedness of frontline forest personnel.
The equipment distributed included rechargeable LED torch lights, fireballs, LED headlights, fireproof gloves, fire beaters, fire racks, heavy knives (Bamfok), fire-retardant field jackets, reflector T-shirts, chainsaws, fire blowers, half-face respirator masks, and sickles (Katchya). The provision of these tools is expected to significantly augment field-level capacity for early detection, containment, and control of forest fires.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister highlighted the importance of the equipment in strengthening field operations and improving response efficiency during forest fire incidents. He stated that the current phase of distribution focuses on providing light and quick-access equipment to enhance firefighting capabilities and operational mobility. The Minister elaborated on the practical utility of the tools and noted that the Department has incorporated lessons learned from past field experiences to further improve ground-level response mechanisms.
The Minister observed that, as a precautionary measure, such distributions are carried out regularly to address the challenges faced by field staff while dousing forest fires, particularly in difficult terrain. He informed that this year special emphasis has been placed on the distribution of fire balls, which are especially useful in the context of Sikkim, where several forest areas face accessibility constraints.
Emphasising the challenges faced by frontline personnel, the Minister acknowledged that combating forest fires is a demanding task, particularly under difficult terrain and environmental conditions. Referring to the State’s ecological significance, he noted that nearly 82 percent of Sikkim’s geographical area is covered by forests and expressed pride that, owing to the proactive efforts of the Department, forest cover in the State continues to increase while incidents of forest fires have been reduced to the extent possible. He further informed that due to a lack of rainfall, the State is currently experiencing a prolonged dry season, increasing the risk of forest fire incidents.
In this context, the Minister appealed to the people of Sikkim to exercise caution while using fire and adopt necessary preventive measures to ensure that forest fires do not occur due to negligence. He also informed that the Department is undertaking measures to ensure safe human–wildlife interaction through the use of AI-enabled cameras and drones for monitoring and management.
Appealing to the public for cooperation, the Minister urged citizens to hand over any peacock found or caught to the Forest Department for safe rescue, release, and rehabilitation. He further appealed to the public to refrain from feeding wild animals, stating that such practices create dependency and adversely affect their natural ability to source food from the wild. In this regard, he informed that the Department has planted various wild fruit species in forest areas to support animals in their natural habitat.
Speaking on the occasion, PCCF-cum-Principal Secretary, Forest and Environment Department, Dr Pradeep Kumar, highlighted that the State is leveraging advanced technologies to enhance forest fire management. He informed that satellite-based fire detection systems are being utilised for quick response, enabling field teams to receive alerts immediately, following which Quick Response Teams (QRTs) are mobilised without delay.
He further stated that predictive fire modelling developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune, is being used to anticipate fire-prone areas and strengthen preparedness measures. Assuring that high-end technology is being deployed to safeguard forest resources, the Principal Secretary also emphasised the adoption of adaptive learning approaches and user-friendly equipment to ensure ease of use for frontline personnel in field conditions.
Additional Chief Conservator of Forest Dr P Senthil Kumar, CCF Territorial, Mr Karma Legshey, CCF Wildlife Mr Uday Gurung, Senior officers of the Forest and Environment Department, officials of Territorial Divisions, and field functionaries were present during the programme.
The initiative forms part of the State Government’s sustained commitment to strengthening forest fire management infrastructure and ensuring the protection of forests, wildlife, and local livelihoods across the State.
The programme was organised by the Forest and Environment Department as part of the State’s ongoing efforts to strengthen forest fire prevention and emergency response mechanisms.
The distribution was carried out under the Annual Plan of Operation of the Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme (FFPMS) for the year 2025–26, aimed at enhancing fire safety measures and improving the operational preparedness of frontline forest personnel.
The equipment distributed included rechargeable LED torch lights, fireballs, LED headlights, fireproof gloves, fire beaters, fire racks, heavy knives (Bamfok), fire-retardant field jackets, reflector T-shirts, chainsaws, fire blowers, half-face respirator masks, and sickles (Katchya). The provision of these tools is expected to significantly augment field-level capacity for early detection, containment, and control of forest fires.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister highlighted the importance of the equipment in strengthening field operations and improving response efficiency during forest fire incidents. He stated that the current phase of distribution focuses on providing light and quick-access equipment to enhance firefighting capabilities and operational mobility. The Minister elaborated on the practical utility of the tools and noted that the Department has incorporated lessons learned from past field experiences to further improve ground-level response mechanisms.
The Minister observed that, as a precautionary measure, such distributions are carried out regularly to address the challenges faced by field staff while dousing forest fires, particularly in difficult terrain. He informed that this year special emphasis has been placed on the distribution of fire balls, which are especially useful in the context of Sikkim, where several forest areas face accessibility constraints.
Emphasising the challenges faced by frontline personnel, the Minister acknowledged that combating forest fires is a demanding task, particularly under difficult terrain and environmental conditions. Referring to the State’s ecological significance, he noted that nearly 82 percent of Sikkim’s geographical area is covered by forests and expressed pride that, owing to the proactive efforts of the Department, forest cover in the State continues to increase while incidents of forest fires have been reduced to the extent possible. He further informed that due to a lack of rainfall, the State is currently experiencing a prolonged dry season, increasing the risk of forest fire incidents.
In this context, the Minister appealed to the people of Sikkim to exercise caution while using fire and adopt necessary preventive measures to ensure that forest fires do not occur due to negligence. He also informed that the Department is undertaking measures to ensure safe human–wildlife interaction through the use of AI-enabled cameras and drones for monitoring and management.
Appealing to the public for cooperation, the Minister urged citizens to hand over any peacock found or caught to the Forest Department for safe rescue, release, and rehabilitation. He further appealed to the public to refrain from feeding wild animals, stating that such practices create dependency and adversely affect their natural ability to source food from the wild. In this regard, he informed that the Department has planted various wild fruit species in forest areas to support animals in their natural habitat.
Speaking on the occasion, PCCF-cum-Principal Secretary, Forest and Environment Department, Dr Pradeep Kumar, highlighted that the State is leveraging advanced technologies to enhance forest fire management. He informed that satellite-based fire detection systems are being utilised for quick response, enabling field teams to receive alerts immediately, following which Quick Response Teams (QRTs) are mobilised without delay.
He further stated that predictive fire modelling developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune, is being used to anticipate fire-prone areas and strengthen preparedness measures. Assuring that high-end technology is being deployed to safeguard forest resources, the Principal Secretary also emphasised the adoption of adaptive learning approaches and user-friendly equipment to ensure ease of use for frontline personnel in field conditions.
Additional Chief Conservator of Forest Dr P Senthil Kumar, CCF Territorial, Mr Karma Legshey, CCF Wildlife Mr Uday Gurung, Senior officers of the Forest and Environment Department, officials of Territorial Divisions, and field functionaries were present during the programme.
The initiative forms part of the State Government’s sustained commitment to strengthening forest fire management infrastructure and ensuring the protection of forests, wildlife, and local livelihoods across the State.
