Officials on their toes to prevent wild fires

While the forest officials managed to put out all the major fires, the challenge now is to ensure there are no more such disasters as these forests are prone to more such incidents and tourists will now begin to throng these destinations for summer vacations.

Currently, the tourist flow to Kovai Coutralam and Baralikadu eco-tourism spot has come down drastically due to the school examination.  “At Baralikadu, the tourist arrival dipped drastically from about 120 families to mere 30 families on weekends. Tourists are allowed only during weekends in Baralikadu. 

In fact, we ensure no threat of fire outbreaks in both Baralikadu and Kovai Coutralam, where tourists are guided into the forests by our staff,” said Coimbatore DFO D Venkatesh.

A total of 12 forest fires broke out in Coimbatore forests in the last two weeks. Of them, eight fires spread out from Kerala. An assessment is underway by the forest department to study the extent of damage caused by these wild fire to forests in the district.

“Over the last four days, no fire was reported inside the forests. With just 60 per cent of the sanctioned strength, our department managed to contain the fires. The focus is now on preventing further fires by creating awareness and patrolling along forest boundaries,” the DFO added.

The Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) that was closed during the fire was reopened a few days ago. “Around 60 hectares were burnt in the fire that ravaged the buffer zone of the MTR. This fire spread out from Bandipur. Once rain comes, the situation would get normal. Currently, the forest department has been involved in creating awareness among people living in fringe villages,” said a top official of MTR.

A massive fire in Yercaud Hills near Salem reduced over 70 hectares of forest to ashes. In the fire, a large number of bamboos, tamarind and neem trees have perished. 

After an investigation, the Forest Department managed to nab three men, all hailing from local villages, for setting fire to the forests after consuming liquor in the jungle area. In Aliyar, the department staff handed out pamphlets to create awareness among tourists over the weekend to prevent forest fires. 

Explaining on the possible cause of fire, a former DFO C Badrasamy said that most of the fires are man-made and set intentionally by cattle grazers as they believe that it will help in regeneration of fresh grass.

“Also just a small spark from a lit cigarette is enough to burn dense vegetation in the forest. Even those involved in collecting honey in forest areas set fire to chase the bees away. In most of the incidents, the culprits go scot free as it may not be possible to track them down.”