60-hectare forest destroyed in fire in Kappatagudda

Around 60 acres of forest were destroyed in a fire at Kempugudda near Doni in the hobli near Kappatagudda on Thursday afternoon.

More than 70 forest department personnel from Mundargi, Shirahatti and Gadag ranges took part in the fire extinguishing operation which went on till midnight.

Forest department staffer Pradeep Pawar said some miscreants had set the forest on fire as cases have been booked against those who are cultivating the land by encroaching upon the Kappatagudda.

An officer, under the condition of anonymity, said such incidents are repeating of late.