The Nilgiris : A major portion of the green cover in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) has been depleted after some miscreants set fire at five different locations in the reserve forest area on Saturday.
The Nilgiris : A major portion of the green cover in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) has been depleted after some miscreants set fire at five different locations in the reserve forest area on Saturday.
The forest department has stated that the fire accident has human hands behind them. Hundreds of acres of forest land which are home to thousands of species have been burnt in the MTR reserve forest on Saturday.
Though forest fires are common during summer, miscreants setting fire to dry patches cause enormous damage than the natural fire.
In spite of taking precautionary measures to protect the trees and every single life in the forest, such man-made fire accidents has left entire department in distress.
After a tough fight, the forest officials along with fire fighters doused the fire at MTR, however the fire that erupted in Bandipur national park next to MTR is the worst affected, say officials.
Following the incident, the forest department official Pushpakaran has issued a stern warning to the public to act responsiblly while traveling through forest patches. And, those who indulge in setting fire in forests will be dealt legally, he warned.
Meanwhile, he also announced monetary reward of Rs. 10,000 to those who help the forest department identify the miscreants behind the present MTR forest fire.
The Forest Department staff are on high alert to check forest fire during the upcoming summer season. Patrolling is being carried out in reserve areas and tribal hamlets to probe suspicious activities.