Fire destroys 50 acres of forest in tiger reserve buffer zone
TNN | Updated: Feb 25, 2019, 05:55 IST
Representative imageUDHAGAMANDALAM: A major fire in the buffer zone of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) in the Nilgiris destroyed at least 50 acres of forest land on Saturday evening.
About 300 firefighters, including forest officials and volunteers, were struggling to control the fire that spread to Mayar, Masinagudi, Marganbetta, Achakarai and Bokkapuram.
A team of forest department staff from the MTR were assisting the Karnataka forest department to extinguish a major fire in the adjacent Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR) on Saturday when they were alerted about the fire on home turf.
The department suspects it to be man-made. “Fire breaking out simultaneously in five different areas, that too deep inside the forest, is something very unusual. We suspect the involvement of anti-social elements,” MTR deputy director Pushpakaran told TOI.
No damage to wildlife was reported, the official said. “Since last night, all our staff are fighting the fire without taking a break. In Marganbetta area, even after putting out the fire last night, it broke out again.”
Strong wind in the hills favours fire to spread quickly to the neighbouring area. Also, dried-up lantana and grass catch fire easily.
The department has announced a reward of Rs 10, 000 for anyone, who provides tip-offs about the miscreants responsible for the fire.
About 300 firefighters, including forest officials and volunteers, were struggling to control the fire that spread to Mayar, Masinagudi, Marganbetta, Achakarai and Bokkapuram.
A team of forest department staff from the MTR were assisting the Karnataka forest department to extinguish a major fire in the adjacent Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR) on Saturday when they were alerted about the fire on home turf.
The department suspects it to be man-made. “Fire breaking out simultaneously in five different areas, that too deep inside the forest, is something very unusual. We suspect the involvement of anti-social elements,” MTR deputy director Pushpakaran told TOI.
No damage to wildlife was reported, the official said. “Since last night, all our staff are fighting the fire without taking a break. In Marganbetta area, even after putting out the fire last night, it broke out again.”
Strong wind in the hills favours fire to spread quickly to the neighbouring area. Also, dried-up lantana and grass catch fire easily.
The department has announced a reward of Rs 10, 000 for anyone, who provides tip-offs about the miscreants responsible for the fire.
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