Drones to be used to monitor forest fires

ISLAMABAD:

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) will use drone cameras to monitor forest fire in the Margalla Hills National Park. It was decided in a meeting chaired by the authority's chairman Aamer Ali Ahmed on Thursday to evolve possible strategies to counter summer fire at Margalla Hills.

Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) Chairperson Reena Saeed Khan, representatives from capital police, Islamabad administration, and officers of relevant formations participated in the meeting.

The meeting evolved consensus that use of drone technology would assist the civil administration for timely identification of forest fire and its causes so the action could be initiated in time.

It was also decided that joint teams of CDA, district administration and IWMB would also patrol the forest areas to take action against those involved in deforestation.

The meeting also agreed on the deployment of concerned staff along with vehicles of water supply wing round the clock in the forest to deal with any emergency situation.

The participants also considered a two-month ban on recreational activities at the area, especially other activities such as barbecue to protect the forest.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 18^th, 2022.