New Delhi, May 22 -- Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday directed officials to strengthen forest fire response systems, improve monsoon preparedness and ensure uninterrupted drinking water and electricity supply across the state.

Chairing a high-level review meeting at the Chief Minister's residence in Dehradun, Dhami said officials concerned must reach the site of any forest fire within one hour of receiving information. He also warned of strict action against those found damaging forest resources.

The Chief Minister instructed officials to implement the "Shitlakhet model" across Uttarakhand to improve forest fire prevention and response. He asked departments to create small water ponds near fire lines, prepare a d...