PANJIM: The Forest Department has issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and imposed a ban on open burning in the forest during festivals like Mahashivratri, Shigmotsav and Holi stating that worshipping or performing rituals in forests and protected areas poses a potential threat of wild fires and bio-diversity.
The SOPs have been issued in order to the mitigate the risk of forest fires and to protect the sanctity of forest areas.
The circular stated that “Open burning of any kind, including but not limited to campfires, debris burning, and the disposal of lit cigarettes, agarbatis or any ritual material that would have any fire in forest area unattended shall be punishable as per law”.
It must be ensured that there is regular clearing of dry leaves, branches and other combustible vegetation from forest areas and in fringe areas adjoining forests.
The circular said utmost caution should be excercised when using equipment that may produce sparks specially during dry and windy conditions.
The department stated that smoking shall be discouraged in forested areas and proper disposal of cigarrette butts in designated containers is to be ensured failing which violators would be booked and penalised under the law.
“Driving or parking vehicles in tall grass or dry vegetation should be avoided as hot exhaust systems can ignite fires,” the circular said.
