Pine Needles: Uttarakhand's Dual Solution to Forest Fires and Women's Empowerment

• Uttarakhand government launches a *pirul* (dry pine needles) collection campaign to combat forest fires and boost rural economy.
• The government will purchase *pirul* from self-help groups and rural women at ₹10 per kilogram, providing a new income source.
• DFO Nainital, Akash Gangwar, highlights the scheme's potential to improve villagers' economic conditions, especially for women.
• Forest Department aims to collect 9000 quintals of *pirul* this year, up from 5400 quintals last year.
• Collected *pirul* will be used by companies like Century Pulp and Paper Mill to produce biofuel, briquettes, and other energy products.

Why It Matters: Uttarakhand's *pirul* collection scheme offers a sustainable solution to forest fires and empowers rural women economically.