Bhitarkanika forest fire reduces several mangrove trees to ashes

Kendrapada: A forest fire broke out in Sailendrasarai forest under Dangamal range in Bhitarkanika National Park of Kendrapada district on Tuesday night.
“Fire was noticed in the middle of the forest on Tuesday evening. Many mangrove trees have been reduced to ashes. The blaze was threatening wild boar, spotted deer and other animals. We with the help of villagers of Hatiaganda managed to extinguish the fire at night,” said Manas Das, forest range officer of Dangamal.
Firefighters and forest officials are trying to keep the blaze under control by digging deep ditches around the affected area. “We have put up camps at many places and seek cooperation from the local people to protect the forests from fire,” added Das.
“The forest department is usually on high alert from March to May as the weather turns hot and the jungles become very dry becoming susceptible to fire. We formed a fire line to check the blaze. Collection of honey from the mangrove forest is illegal as honey collectors use fire and smoke,” he said.
“The forest officials should provide proper training to the villagers on honey extraction,” said Hemant Rout, an environmentalist and secretary, Gahirmatha Marine Turtles and Mangrove Conservation Society.