State’s Home minister opens Fire Prevention Week in Aizawl
Newmai News Network
Aizawl | February 10
Mizoram on Monday began observing Fire Prevention Week to spread awareness about the hazardous effects and environmental damage caused by both house and forest fires.
Mizoram Home minister Lalchamliana opened the week at an event held at Vanapa hall here in Aizawl. The observance of the Fire Prevention Week will continue till Saturday with a theme “Kangmei chhuak tur veng la, i ram chhan rawh” (Prevent fire and protect your land).
Speaking on the occasion, the State Home minister said that majority of house and forest fires were due to carelessness. He also said that forest fire can cause colossal damages as it effects not only human, but wildlife, climate and environment.
He then urged the people to make concerted efforts to prevent forest fires in order to address climate change and protect environmental damages.
According to the Home minister, the government would set up few more fire stations to prevent fire incidents and facilitates rapid response in emergency. He also said that there are at present 14 fire stations in 8 districts of Mizoram.
“The government has been making massive effort to set up more fire stations in the newly created three districts- Saitual, Hnahthial and Khawzawl for emergency response," he said. The state Home minister added that the government also launched 101 helpline number for fire incidents.
Also speaking on the occasion, Mizoram Environment, Forests and Climate Change minister, TJ Lalnuntluanga said that the government would make massive effort to protect forest and wildlife as per the existing laws. He then harped on the need to educate people about fire prevention for better environment.
Meanwhile, the state government of Mizoram has fixed the deadline for jhum burning on March 15 and asked all farmers to burn their farms or jhums within the deadline to avoid environmental damage.
Officials of state Fire and Emergency department said that at least 10 people have been killed and 31 others injured in various fire incidents during the last five years from 2015 to 2019 in Mizoram. They also said that 3 people were killed last year.
Officials also said that 586 fire incidents, including 206 house fires and 380 forest fires have occurred during 2015-2019.
