BELAGAVI
While forests fires have been raging in different parts of Sattari taluka which borders Karnataka, forest officials in Belagavi are closely monitoring the situation, taking preventive measures so that the fire doesn’t spread across the border.
Apart from initiating various preventive measures, Belagavi forest officials have also set up teams in the Bhimgarh wildlife sanctuary and areas bordering Goa.
While there were no major fires reported on the Karnataka side of the Western ghats, sporadic incidents of ground fire were reported in the western parts of Khanapur taluka bordering Goa since last week.
However, no major damage was reported as the fire was doused immediately.
“We are closely monitoring the fire incidents in Goa. As per our team reports, the fire in Goa was about 20 kms away from the Karnataka border. Sufficient preventive measures like drawing a fire line by burning a stretch all along the border, setting up of teams to douse the fire, creating awareness among villagers, especially the Gavali community living in the Bhimgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and mobilising their support are some of the measures that are already in place,” Deputy Conservator of Forests, Belagavi DCF Harsha Bhanu GP told The Goan.
“While villagers setting fires for a better grass yield next year is one of the reasons for eruption of fire incidents, it is also noteworthy to mention that there have been no rains since November last year due to which the grass and bushes have dried up resulting in quick spread of fires,” Harsha Bhanu added.
“We keep getting fire alerts. We are also creating awareness and taking pledge from the Gavali community not to set the forests on fire and destroy the ecology, for which we are getting a good response and cooperation. Moreover, the Mhadei River and its tributaries are a blessing in preventing fire across the border reaching Karnataka side,” he added.
Giving more details, Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary RFO Rakesh said the Anti Poaching Camps (APC) set up have been equipped with fire dousing equipment, water etc.
“There was no major fire reported and flames of the ground fires which erupt are five to six feet in height and can be doused, wherever required. We are always on the alert,” RFO Rakesh told The Goan.
KARNATAKA, GOA
OFFICIALS HOLD MEET
Forest officials in Karnataka have been extending maximum support and inputs to their counterparts in Goa.
Apart from sharing information about the fire, the Karnataka forest officials are also assisting Goan forest personnel to reach to the Karnataka side of the Western Ghats.
This is being looked upon as an important factor regarding the interstate cooperation and understanding.
“On Friday, we had a joint meeting at the Goa border along with officials of the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary. Various measures including sharing of information and extending assistance in dousing of fire were discussed among other measures. RFO Girish Bailurkar and other senior officers were present,” said Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary RFO Rakesh.
