The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the loss of lives in Uttarakhand due to massive forest fires which have affected large areas of the State, causing air pollution as well as damage to environment.

In his message to Dr. K.K. Paul, the Governor of Uttarakhand, the President has said "I am sad and distressed to know about the massive fires which have affected large areas of the state, causing loss of lives and air pollution as well as damage to environment.

I am confident the Government and people of Uttarakhand will deal this challenge with speed and determination.

I share the grief of those who have lost their near and dear ones and extend my sympathies to all whose lives have been affected. I applaud the efforts of the State Government and all rescue personnel as well as civil society organizations to save the environment and our biodiversity as well as human lives.

I call upon the State Government and all other authorities to provide every assistance possible to the bereaved families as well as all those affected.

My prayers and good wishes are with the people of Uttarakhand at this difficult juncture”.

This release issued 1145 hrs.