DEOMALI, OCT 27:

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Wangki Lowang on Tuesday flagged off a 1,000-litre-capacity mini fire tender for the Deomali Forest Division at the General Ground, Deomali, to strengthen forest-fire response and emergency services.

The programme was attended by Deomali ADC Tana Bapu, Namsang Block ZPM Yalik Lowang, Deomali Divisional Forest Officer B. Taba, public leaders and heads of various departments.

Following the flag-off, forest personnel demonstrated the coordinated use of the mini fire tender and drone technology for forest-fire management, surveillance and emergency response.

Addressing the gathering, Lowang urged the Forest Department to make effective use of the equipment to strengthen forest protection, wildlife monitoring and efforts to mitigate human-elephant conflict. He also stressed the need to use modern technology to conserve forest ecosystems and ensure the safety of communities living in and around forest areas.

Taba said the compact vehicle would improve the division’s preparedness for forest fires and community fire emergencies, particularly in colonies and residential areas with narrow roads that larger fire tenders may find difficult to access.

He also highlighted the role of a thermal-camera-equipped drone provided to the department in strengthening surveillance, monitoring wildlife and mitigating human-elephant conflict. Taba thanked the minister for supporting efforts to enhance the department’s operational capabilities.

The initiative is expected to strengthen the Deomali Forest Division’s capacity to protect forests, wildlife and nearby communities.