PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Haldwani
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Forest department in Haldwani has introduced advanced cooling jackets for the frontline forest staff and forest fire watchers working under extreme summer conditions. Notably, the Forest frontline personnel play a crucial role in protecting forests, wildlife and public safety. During the summer season, especially in periods of the intense forest fire incidents, these personnel are required to work continuously in harsh and demanding environments. The fire watchers and field staff often operate for long hours in remote forest areas, directly exposed to scorching temperatures, smoke, radiant heat from active fires and physically exhausting terrain.
Apart from forest fire activities, the frontline staff deployed at roadside forest checkposts and barrier points also have to remain on duty under intense sunlight and hot weather conditions for prolonged periods. Temperatures in many forest areas frequently exceed 40–45°C during peak summer months, significantly increasing the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stress and fatigue.
In remote forest locations, access to shade, cooling facilities and immediate medical support is often limited, making working conditions even more challenging. Continuous exposure to extreme temperatures can adversely affect the health, alertness, endurance and operational efficiency of personnel engaged in critical forest protection duties.
Recognising these challenges and prioritising the welfare and safety of the field personnel, Haldwani Forest division has provided modern cooling jackets equipped with dual-fan air circulation technology and rechargeable battery support. These lightweight jackets are designed to provide continuous airflow inside the vest, helping regulate body temperature and providing significant relief during prolonged outdoor duties.
“This initiative assumes special significance as it is possibly the first such effort to introduce technology-based cooling wear for frontline staff and fire watchers,” said the divisional forest officer, Haldwani, (DFO) Kundan Kumar, adding that his department
would continue to explore modern, field-oriented, and technology-driven interventions aimed at improving the safety, welfare, and effectiveness of personnel engaged in forest protection and wildfire management.
