Zabaykalye Expended 2.4 Billion Rubles to Combat Forest Fires
In a bid to combat the increasing threat of forest fires, the Zabaykalsky Krai region has launched a comprehensive operation involving local resource users, forest users, and federal emergency services. The operation, which received funding from both federal and regional budgets, totalling 2.38 billion rubles, is spearheaded by the Ministry of Natural Resources in Zabaykalsk.
Pavel Volzhin, the Minister of Natural Resources, addressed media representatives on the operation's progress. He highlighted the significant work in attracting equipment from resource users and forest users, with collaboration with almost 500 enterprises. The number of personnel recruited for the operation stands at 167, including APS personnel and observer pilots.
The operation encompasses aerial firefighting, aerial monitoring, ground zone firefighting, and preventive measures. These strategies are designed to provide a robust response to wildfires, ensuring swift and effective action. In addition, over 80% of the funds, 1.94 billion rubles, were allocated from the federal budget. Regional funds were primarily used for maintaining forest fire units and capital repair of equipment.
Satellite monitoring plays a crucial role in this operation. Roscosmos satellites, including the Meteor-M satellite, provide vital data by tracking smoke and fire activity. This data aids emergency responders in effectively targeting and managing the fires in Zabaykalsky Krai and neighbouring regions like Buryatia. The satellite technology enhances situational awareness and coordination among firefighting teams on the ground.
Last year, the participation of resource users and forest users was minimal, but this year, the work has been expanded on a larger scale. Pavel Volzhin did not mention the specific amount of regional funds used for the equipment and maintenance, but he did report on the operation's progress at a meeting with media representatives.
In recognition of the dedication and hard work of the firefighters, it is planned to reward the best forest firefighters with titles such as "Best in Profession", "Best Forest Firefighter", "Best Bulldozer Operator", "Best Brigade Leader", and "Best Firefighting Manager".
This multi-tiered approach leverages both local ground collaboration and modern remote sensing technology to mitigate the wildfire impact in Zabaykalsky Krai. The operation serves as a testament to the region's commitment to protecting its natural resources and ensuring the safety of its residents.
- Pavel Volzhin, the Minister of Natural Resources, shared that the operation attracts equipment from various industries, including 450 enterprises that specialize in resource utilization and forest management.
- In the effort to combat climate change, the operation's budget, primarily sourced from the federal budget, has allocated a substantial amount for environmental science, specifically for maintaining forest fire units and upgrading equipment.
- The operation's success is tied to financial support from different sectors, such as the federal and regional budgets, as well as from industries such as finance, which could potentially be invested in the reward system for the top performing forest firefighters.
