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Minister Indalecio Dangond Baquero Launches 'Compromiso Tolima' Emergency Plan to Mitigate Forest Fire Impacts

The administration announced a new emergency plan titled 'Compromiso Tolima' to address the severe economic and social impacts of forest fires across the department of Tolima. Minister of Agriculture Indalecio Dangond Baquero stated that the initiative aims to prioritize the recovery of producer productivity, ensuring water and food for livestock, alleviating financial burdens, and supporting families who lost their assets to the flames. The plan will be managed by Vice-Minister of Agricultural Affairs Arturo Adolfo Dajud, who will coordinate efforts between the national government, the provincial government, and private business sectors. This response follows a period of intense fire activity in the region. Current reports indicate that Tolima is currently facing significant fire activity, with the National Risk Management Unit for Natural Disasters (UNGRD) reporting that half of the country's active forest fires are concentrated in the department. Approximately 27,000 hectares have been burned in Tolima alone, an area equivalent to 68% of Bogotá's urban area. The administration has deployed military and aerial support to combat the flames, which are largely attributed to human causes rather than natural phenomena.

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