20160501 India Fires destroy 500 acres of forest in Nadukani
India Apr 30 2016 “Forest”
Dead : dead 0 or unknown Burnout : 0 or unknown Injured : injured 0 or unknown
Fires destroy 500 acres of forest in Nadukani
Updated: 2016-05-01-06:17
More than 500 acres of forest under Nilambur North division were completely destroyed in a forest fire that broke out in Nadukani region in Tamil Nadu-Kerala border, on Friday morning. The fires killed innumerable species of birds, animals and insects, besides destorying the vegetation in the region.
The latest incident indicates that the forest authorities have to step up the measures taken to prevent such fires from breaking out and to stop them from spreading to more parts of the forest. Often fires break out as a result of the carelessness on the part of the public who go inside the forests to collect fire wood or due to the negligence of the forest staff who are supposed to take measures to prevent such incidents fromt taking place.
The fire in Nadukani region was first noticed in Vellakkata region on Vazhikadavu around 1pm on Friday and it spread to both sides of the Nilambur-Gudallur interstate highway blocking the traffic on the highway for more than four hours. The fire was brought under control after about six hours by the fire and rescue service personnel with the support of forest officials, police and local people.
Around 250 hectares of forest in the same region was completely destroyed in a fire one month ago. “Nilambur forest area is prone to fires. But the forest authorities are still not ready to take the issue seriously and to take proper preventive measures against such incidents,” said environmental activist Jayaprakash Nilambur. Divisiona Forest Officer, Adal Arasan said the fire has been completely brought under control. He said the prolonged summer season without showers was the main reason for such fires and that the forest officials cannot prevent such incidents.
Web Source: THE TIMES OF INDIA
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/Fires-destroy-500-acres-of-forest-in-Nadukani/articleshow/52060123.cms