Speaking about the measures being taken by the Centre to contain the Uttarakhand forest fire, Union Home MinisterRajnath Singh on Monday said that he was in regular touch with officials of the hill state, adding the situation was under control.
Low visibility, however, prevented a second chopper from being deployed in Pauri district for the aerial operations in the hill state which commenced today as part of efforts to control the fires that has killed seven persons and destroyed 2,269 hectares of forested land. The fire has also spread to sparsely populated remote hill areas.
Stating that he has been informed the situation is normal in the hill state, Singh added whether it is the Indian Air Force, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) or the local administration all of them are putting their best efforts.
The Home Minister, who reviewed the situation yesterday, has offered all assistance to the hill state.
He held discussions with the Chief Secretary and other officials of the Uttarakhand Government. He also discussed the crisis during a telephonic conversation with Uttarakhand Governor K K Paul.