Srinagar, June 17 (PTI): Expressing concern over recurring fire in forests in the state, Jammu and Kashmir Forest Minister Qazi Mohammad Afzal on Saturday called for evolving a comprehensive mechanism to prevent such incidents.

"Intermittent fires in forests are of great concern and a comprehensive mechanism is needed to be evolved to prevent such incidents to avoid heavy losses caused every year," Qazi said after a meeting of forest department officers here today.

The minister instructed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Irshad Ahmed Khan to submit a detailed project on fire control for the state to be taken up in the 11th plan meeting.

Khan said a Rs 25 crore project has been prepared under prevention, control and management of fire in Jammu region.

"There has been a gradual decrease in fire incidents as the control operations were in place. Range wise fire fighting units have been set up to fight the fire effectively without loss of time," Khan said.