Lahore, Following directives from Senior Provincial Minister of Punjab, Mrs. Maryam Aurangzeb, the Punjab Forest Department has set up district-level control rooms in collaboration with local authorities and emergency services to tackle fires during the ongoing fire season. These efforts are part of a comprehensive strategy to manage and mitigate forest fires across the province.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the control rooms have been established in partnership with the District Administration, Rescue 1122, the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), and local communities. These teams are operational 24/7, aiming to promptly identify and respond to fire incidents in and around forest areas.

The effectiveness of these measures was recently demonstrated in Jhelum District, where a fire in a privately owned area near the hill forests of Pind Dadan Khan was successfully controlled. The location’s challenging terrain, situated upstream from the Khewra salt mine, made access particularly difficult, preventing vehicle use. Despite the severe conditions, including intense heat and strong winds, the collaborative efforts of the Forest Department, Rescue 1122, PDMA, District Administration, and local residents managed to contain the fire, which had spread over approximately 125 acres.

This proactive response not only controlled the fire but also prevented it from reaching and damaging the adjacent forest areas, underscoring the critical role of timely action and coordination among various agencies and the community in managing such emergencies.