Uttarakhand forest fire controlled: Rijiju

Updated - September 12, 2016 09:48 am IST

Published - May 02, 2016 04:26 pm IST - New Delhi

An IAF Mi 17 helicopter used to rescue stranded people from Garhwal Range in Pauri on Sunday. Photo: Virender Singh Negi

An IAF Mi 17 helicopter used to rescue stranded people from Garhwal Range in Pauri on Sunday. Photo: Virender Singh Negi

The Centre on Monday 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 here.

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 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 K C Wadha and director of Delhi Fire Services G C Misra have reached Uttarakhand to assess the situation and suggest possible remedies.

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