Forest department gears up to check wildfires

The Forest department has made arrangements to tackle wildfires ahead of  summer months.

Dried leaves, grass and twigs in the ranges bordering human habitation, — Anechowkur, Veeranahosalli, H D Kote, Antarsanthe and parts of Kodagu district — under the Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole, have been burnt under controlled fire to avert any calamity during hot Summer.

Dried leaves and twigs become a medium for spreading of fire, hence they are being disposed under controlled fire as a precautionary measure. A fireline of 1,795 km has been created to safeguard the 643 square km expanse of the Park, said officials.

Besides, 40 personnel each have been hired on contract for each range to avert any mishap, said, Assistant Conservator of Forests Sripathi.

At least 675 km fireline has been created under Anechowkur and Veeranahosalli ranges. It has to be recalled that 2,000 acres of core forests in Chippukolli, Kunturu, Gonigadde and Hosakere had been damaged in forest fire three years back. Last year also, patches of the forests were destroyed in Anechowkur and Antarsanthe ranges.

“Nagarhole division has been sanctioned Rs 73 lakh for taking precautionary measures. The funds will be used to pay wages to contract employees and Rs 5 lakh will be earmarked for transportation,” said sources.

The region has received 1,800 mm rainfall and there would be no scarcity of water this summer.

“All 15 major lakes inside the forests are filled. Even small streams and pits have sufficient water. Steps are also being taken to create awareness among the residents of bordering villages, about forest fire,” RFO Lokesh said.

Officials said, tribals residing inside the forests as well as on the fringes were a big source of strength to the Forest department. “The tribals are hired on daily wages of Rs 259 to check forest fires. They are experts in sensing and dousing fire. Their services are used widely in the conservation process,” they said.

Director of the National Park R Gokul said that controlling forest fire with just human resources was difficult and there was a need to make use of modern technologies. The government should provide helicopters for the purpose.
DH News Service