No.126/2021-2022

Lunglei the 17the May, 2021 – The State Level Special Investigation Team on Fire Outbreak headed by its Chairman Pu R.S Sinha, Chief Conservator of Forests (Administration) held its maiden meeting with District functionaries via a VC meeting with Lunglei District officials and other stakeholders at 11 am today. Members of the SIT viz Pu C. Lalthanmawia, Director, Fire & Emergency Services, Pu Lalthafamkima Jongte, AIG (Ops), Police Headquarters and Pu John LT Sanga, Director, Disaster Management & Rehabilitation were all present at this virtual meeting.

Lunglei District was represented by DC Pu Kulothungan A, SP Pu Rex Zarzoliana Vanchhawng, Conservator of Forest, Southern Circle Pi Lalrammawii Sailo, other concerned officials, Sub Hqrs YMA and Lunglei District VC Association leaders.

Assuring the gathering that the ongoing investigation is not intended to be a fault finding mission, SIT Chairman Pu R.S Sinha encouraged the stakeholders to air their opinions freely and report the various issues, challenges and initiatives undertaken at the ground level.

Lunglei DC Pu Kulothungan A reported that the forest fire near Lunglei town started on the morning of 24th April, 2021 on the outskirts of the town, and went on for 3 days, affecting 11 Village Council areas near Lunglei town. Forest fire also broke out in 21 other villages in Lunglei District from the 26th to 28th of April. In all, the fire affected 2061 hectares (approximate) forest area in Lunglei District. Zotlang locality/ VC with 645 hectares suffered the most damage in the District. The DC informed that SIT that plans are underway to convene a DDMA meeting at the earliest possible time.

Lunglei SP Pu Rex Zarzoliana Vanchhawng reported that upon learning about the fire outbreak, the Intelligence Branch, Lunglei Police swung into action right away, interviewing locals and village council leaders. He stated that 4 persons alleged to have been present at the site of origin of the fire have been interviewed and their statements recorded. The District Police had set up a District Level Special Investigation Team headed by Lunglei SDPO Pu Lalfakmawia on the 27th of April. The investigation is underway, with an FIR being lodgedat Lunglei Police station by citizens of Serkawn locality, he added.

The meeting went on to discuss existing provisions of law, instructions, institutions and response mechanism in place at the District, availability or lack thereof of equipments, trained manpower and funds, availability and use of technology in handling forest fires, early warning systems in place, role of local/ village level fire prevention committee, awareness activities undertaken at the District and village levels. Lunglei District, headed by Deputy Commissioner was instructed to submit a detailed report and recommendations on the various issues discussed.

The State Level SIT on Fire Outbreak was constituted vide an official order on 5th May, 2021. The investigation team will find out the reasons and causes of the outbreak of the fires, assess the extent of damage, examine and document the various means deployed for control and containment of the fires. It will also examine the existing provisions of laws, instructions and institutions in place to mitigate, prevent and respond to fires and to recommend any modifications or supplements that may be needed. Besides, the investigation team will make recommendations for measures, modalities and regulations, among others, that may be put in place to avoid an outbreak of forest fire in the future. As per the Government order, the team is instructed to submit its recommendation or report within two months of its constitution.