PANAJI
While forest officials are on alert to prevent the possibility of the recurrence of fire in Mhadei wildlife sanctuary, the department has now begun the process of evaluating losses and impact the fire has had on the ecosystem.
As many as 130 forest officials and local villagers were patrolling the affected areas to ensure fires are completely doused. “Fires are extinguished completely and we are on the third day today (Thursday) that no fire is reported. All of us are nonetheless spraying water at the burnt locations to prevent the possibility of the recurrence of fire,” a senior official said.
There have been apprehensions that fires have decimated vast areas of forests and wildlife habitat, leaving large patches completely gutted. However, an evaluation of the damage caused will give a clear picture.
“We are simultaneously conducting a survey on losses, impact on the ecosystem, pollution caused, what kind of trees are destroyed or damaged, families affected, etc. The final report will be submitted to the government for further action,” he said adding that suggestions on the restoration and recovery efforts will also be incorporated in the report.
Another senior officer said that extinguishing the raging forest fires was a critical milestone as the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy used their expertise and technology to douse the flames, but the work doesn’t end there. Minimising long-term implications of such disasters need to be emphasised, he said.
