Seven new units will be established across the state to harness pine needles, announced Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal.”We’ve identified entrepreneurs for these units – three in Almora, two in Champawat, and one each in Garhwal and Narendranagar – and agreed to provide the necessary support,” Minister Uniyal explained.Uttarakhand’s Additional Chief Conservator of Forests, Nishant Verma, has issued a directive to divisional forest officers to boost the utilization of collected pine needles.”As per the instructions, the existing units will be motivated to ensure maximum utilization of pine needles, leading to increased production of briquettes,” Verma stated.Uttarakhand’s devastating forest fires have claimed 10 lives so far this year, according to official data. The tragic toll includes an elderly woman who succumbed to her injuries at AIIMS Rishikesh after bravely attempting to extinguish a blaze threatening her farm.Additionally, three Nepali labourers lost their lives near their workplace in Almora, highlighting the dire consequences of these fires.Uttarakhand’s forest fires have been a persistent problem, claiming six lives by May 8, the highest toll since 2016. This year’s blazes have ravaged 689.89 hectares of forest land, with 575 incidents reported since November 1, 2023.
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