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Use modern methods to put out forest fires, suggest environmentalists

Environmentalists express concern over repeated forest fires in western ghats

Mangaluru: Forest fires in Karnataka have been a cause for concern among environmentalists.

Activists of the National Environment Care Federation (NECF) have taken the lead, expressing their disappointment over the repeated forest fires in the Western Ghats and the use of outdated firefighting methods that put forest officials in harm's way.

The NECF has rushed a letter to the Prime Minister, MoEF, Karnataka State chief secretary, and ACS of the Forest Department, highlighting the negative impact forest fires can have on the economy, soil, vegetation, and carbon chain. The activists have urged the government to take immediate action to mitigate the problem by using modern techniques.

According to the letter, frequent forest fires can have a significant impact on the country's economy and threaten the soil and vegetation. The loss of trees can disturb climatic conditions and affect the carbon chain, leading to landslides and soil erosion. The letter also highlighted that forest officials are using age-old methods such as fire extinguishers, fire beaters, and tree branches to fight the fires, resulting in many officials being trapped and injured.

Shashidhar Shetty, Secretary of NECF, spoke to Deccan Chronicle about the need for immediate action using modern technology.

"We have satellites through which the officials in Delhi or Bengaluru can spot the forest fire. Immediate action should be taken to prevent it from spreading," he said.

“There is no need to have a separate task force or team for this. Instead, the responsibility should be given to more resourceful authorities like the Indian Air Force and NDRF. The service of the Coast Guard base in Mangaluru also can be taken. The State forest department should be given the responsibility of providing protocol to the central agencies,” Shashidhar Shetty said.

The organization has declared to move the court if their concerns are not addressed within 15 days.

( Source : Deccan Chronicle. )
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