MYSURU:In the wake of forest fires at the Bandipur National Park, the Forest Department has decided to take precautionary measures in all national parks.
Mysuru and Chamrajnagar districts have Nagarhole, Bandipur, Biligiri Ranganatha, M M Hills and Cauvery wildlife sanctuaries.
Though there is enough water in the waterholes and moisture inside the forest, authorities are not willing to take any chances. They have set up camps in vulnerable points, sought help from members of village forest committees and deployed additional patrol vehicles. The forest officials have also completed work on fire lines across these reserve forests. However, the upcoming Shivarathri jathra is worrying the forest officials as thousands of devotees visit M M Hills and burn camphor as offering to Lord Mahadeshwara.
As the authorities cannot ban the use of camphor, they have put up signages and plan to distribute notices asking the devotees to be careful so that the fire does not spread to the forest and pose a threat to the wildlife. While some suggest a few people deliberately set fire to settle scores with officials, there are others who believe that setting fire would bring them good rain and therefore enough grass for the cattle for the next season.
The conservators of forest have started recruiting temporary watchers and guards and have even sought support of tribals and locals.
All Prepared: The BRT sanctuary has completed fire lines in all the five forest ranges. Officials have decided to post additional men to check forest fire. These men will be equipped with wireless sets too.
In the M M Hills and Cauvery sanctuaries, more than 40 village forest committees are involved in the activities or else it would be difficult to protect the Western Ghats.
Wildlife activist Malleshappa said the tribal population, children and those living in the fringe of the forest areas have extended all support to the Forest Department. He said tourists have also been asked to refrain from throwing plastic and waste in the forest areas.
http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/Officials-All-Set-to-Fight-Forest-Fires-in-National-Parks/2015/02/08/article2658413.ece
