Hyderabad: In light of the increased forest fires happening across the state, the forest department has joined hands with the fire department to ensure watering of plants and also marking potential hazardous areas.
P. Raghuveer, member of PCCF says, “Out of the 9,000 forest compartments that we have, we have identified 431 as fire prone areas. Nearly 60% of the fires are man-made. Similarly, 231 roads passing through forests have also been marked were fires have occured because commuters have thrown cigarettes or matchsticks outside their car window while driving.”
The quantum of loss caused by each forest fire is immeasurable, affecting the quality of the soil. Nurseries have been informed to ensure that there are no dried plants nearby so as to not harm the seedlings handed over for the fourth drive of Haritha Haram. “In monetary terms, a forest fire can cause a loss that ranges from five to ten lakhs but it is more harmful to the ecosystem. It costs us potential regeneration. And when the bark of a tree is burnt, it can cause fungal infection. The soil also hardens thereby causing water to not percolate,” says P. Raghuveer.
Forest fires have been known to destroy more than 200 acres in extreme cases. The forest department has ensured that the fire prone areas are in easy access to blowers and fire tenders hoping to minimise the damage caused and limit the fire to 1 or 2 acres.
