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Incidents of forest fires have increased over the past two days in Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) ranges, with the forest department battling multiple blazes for the last four days. Officials suspect that anti-social elements may have deliberately set fires at different locations.

Authorities said most of the fires have occurred on hillocks, making them difficult to control due to the rugged terrain and the rapid spread of flames. More than 10 forest fires have been reported across three ranges of the park: the Krishnagiri Range, the Tulsi Range and the Yeoor Hills Range. Foot patrolling in these areas has been intensified to catch those responsible for the fires, said officials.

It may be noted that in the last week, there have been more than 10 instances of forest fires that have taken place in SGNP and Aarey Forest. Environmentalists allege the fires were deliberately lit and not natural. Experts believe that if this continues unabated, the groundwater situation, rivers, and water security of Maharashtra will be seriously threatened.

Fireline to prevent spreading

A fireline has been created to prevent the forest fires from spreading. A fireline is a cleared strip of land where dry leaves, grass, and vegetation are removed to act as a barrier and prevent the spread of fire. The forest department starts fireline work by November every year and concludes it before February, as most blazes are reported by February-end.

Krishnagiri Range

Over 14 acres of forest area have been burnt due to suspected man-made fires. Fire watchers are working in three shifts and have been stationed at strategic locations. The department has also intensified foot patrolling in the area to catch those responsible for lighting the fires. Around 15-20 officials are working to douse the fire in Kalmachaponda, Poisar survey 87, and the Malad areas of the SGNP. 

Yeoor Hills

Around 12 teams, each comprising four to five officials/staff, have been deployed across four key locations to tackle the blazes. In addition, fire watchers have been stationed in vulnerable areas to monitor the situation and help prevent further incidents. Around seven acres of forest land have been destroyed in this forest range.

Tulsi Range + Aarey

Around four forest fires have been reported in the last month. Four to five teams are working in three shifts to tackle forest fires, with each team comprising 10 to 15 members. Around 19 acres of forest have been destroyed due to the fires. Location where fire incidents were reported: Aarey Unit 15 l/Kandivli East/ Goregaon.

Official Speak

“Anti-social elements who trespass into the forest are responsible for these fires. We have intensified patrolling, including foot patrols, in the forest, and strict action will be taken against those found entering the forest illegally and lighting fires,” a forest department official said.

Probable reason for fires

>> Deliberate fires by anti-social elements 
>> Carelessly discarded cigarettes or matchsticks
>> Fires lit to protect oneself from reptiles 

Expert Speak

Pawan Sharma, President of NGO RAWW
‘These fires are often deliberately lit by anti-social elements and can lead to a permanent loss of biodiversity. Ground-dwelling species such as snakes, snails, geckos and insects are particularly vulnerable, while subsoil invertebrates, especially earthworms, are also destroyed.’