Bodha, the highly-inflammable grass found extensively in the Seshachalam forest, is giving sleepless nights to the forest department. After the recent Theni forest fire in Tamil Nadu, the department is zeroing in on this ‘culprit grass’ to prevent such incidents in Andhra Pradesh.
Thanks to its semi-deciduous nature, the vast patches of Seshachalam forest go dry in summer, but assume a greenish tint upon receiving the first showers. It is during the summer months that even the green trees appear like dry twigs and easily get burnt. Adding to the woes is this Bodha grass, which is rich in oil content and is thus easily combustible.
The department generally takes up measures in the 14 lakh acres from December to prevent fires in the summer. The Tirupati, Rajampet and Chittoor East divisions under the Tirupati Wildlife Management Circle are rich in Bodha grass and hence are prone to catching fire.
Each range has a vehicle and 15 staff, equipped with implements. Satellite images are passed on up to the level of beat officers, based on which fire watchers get into action.
Thick growth
“Fire lines will be prominently drawn in 100-150 km length and 10-20 metres width by clearing shrubs in between, so as to prevent spread of fire from one block to another contiguous one,” Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Andhra Pradesh) P. Mallikharjuna Rao told The Hindu. As the grass has recorded wild growth due to the copious rains received in the region in the recent months, five persons would be monitoring the area under a range officer at any given time.
People venturing into the forest for collecting Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) generally tend to burn the grass to gain easy access. “We have a list of people in forest fringe villages who are known to deliberately set fire for specific purposes. Apart from creating awareness, we will soon take them into custody to instil fear in their minds,” warned B.K. Singh, Additional PCCF, Tirupati.
After the distribution of leaflets in forest fringe villages during the recently-held Janmabhoomi programme to spread awareness on this aspect among the local people, the department is now getting ready to crack the whip on wilful violators and mischief mongers.
