Dehradun, May 28 -- Uttarakhand has initiated a plan to develop traditional chaal (traditional water pits) and khaal structures (larger water ponds) and water holes in an effort to reduce forest fire incidents and provide relief to wildlife.

It may be reminded here that forest fires continue to pose a major challenge in Uttarakhand every year and, this year, a large number of forest fire incidents have been reported including in Mussoorie and Pauri divisions. Most fires occur during the summer season in particular when rising temperatures and dry conditions trigger frequent incidents of wildfire across the hills and forest areas. These fires not only cause extensive damage to forest wealth and biodiversity but also threaten the survival ...