Grass over hundred acres of land across Nandi Hills destroyed

Grass over hundred acres of land across Nandi Hills was completely destroyed in a fire mishap on Thursday.

The fire was spotted at Angatta village around 1 pm. It was mostly doused by 7.30 pm after a seven hour operation by a team of 25 officials from the forest department.

"The fire didn't affect trees, birds and animals, but destroyed the grass and nests of birds," Vikram Reddy, range forest officer, told DH.

Reason for the mishap is yet to be ascertained. However, the forest authorities suspected involvement of local villagers as there was a belief that burning of grass on dry land would lead to fresh blade of grass.

The authorities said cigarette buds thrown by tourists on the grass could have triggered the fire.

According to the forest authorities, though flames were spotted atop the hill, situation was very much under control.

"We've doused the fire completely on the ground. However, flames were spotted atop the hill. Our team is monitoring the situation,"he said and added: "Forest officials are yet to ascertain the extent of area gutted in flames."

The Forest department has sought local residents' cooperation in identifying local residents burning the grass.

The department has even declared cash prize for sharing information about those who set the grass on fire.  

The following numbers may be contacted to share the details: 9663557755.

In March 2017, the terrain towards the road, was in flames for two days. Forest and horticulture department had a tough time in dousing the flames.