Wildfires threaten forested regions in Mulugu, Mahbubabad districts
Despite extensive firefighting efforts by the forest department, the flames, driven by dry leaves and branches, continue spreading rapidly across large forest areas. This recurring annual problem often results in widespread environmental damage before containment
WARANGAL: As summer temperatures rise, frequent forest fires have become an escalating threat in the forested regions of Mulugu and Mahabubabad districts, severely impacting wildlife and local communities.
Despite extensive firefighting efforts by the forest department, the flames, driven by dry leaves and branches, continue spreading rapidly across large forest areas. This recurring annual problem often results in widespread environmental damage before containment.
The fires pose a significant risk to diverse wildlife species, including tigers, leopards, crocodiles, wild boars, deer, and monkeys. The displacement of these animals increases human-wildlife encounters, elevating the risk of conflict.
Daily life has also been disrupted, with motorists experiencing low visibility due to thick smoke along main roads, significantly raising accident risks, particularly during nighttime. The fires have led to considerable biodiversity loss, destroying numerous trees and plant species.
Authorities have identified multiple causes behind these incidents, notably negligence from shepherds grazing livestock, careless disposal of burning tobacco products, and intentional fire-setting. These minor incidents rapidly develop into large-scale wildfires.
Mulugu district forest officer Rahul Kishan Jadhav said the department has intensified efforts to control the fires by deploying specialised firefighting teams, increasing patrols, and installing CCTV cameras for forest monitoring. The department is actively conducting awareness campaigns to educate local communities and shepherds about fire safety and has placed water tankers at strategic points for rapid firefighting responses.
Concerns have been raised by forest conservationists and social activists regarding unethical practices by contractors awarded tenders for tobacco leaf collection earlier this year. These contractors are allegedly encouraging deliberate fire-starting, endangering forest resources.
Mahbubabad district forest officer B. Vishal urged tobacco contractors and the general public to avoid igniting fires for any reason. He warned that legal action, including cancellation of contracts, would be enforced against contractors found responsible for instigating forest fires.
In a recent meeting, forest and environment minister Konda Surekha emphasised the need for increased vigilance from authorities and communities alike. Identifying human negligence as a primary fire source, she called for strengthened preventive measures and improved firefighting capabilities, underscoring the urgency of protecting the region’s forest ecosystems.