Wildlife activists demand fire protection in jungles
Wildlife activists demand fire protection in jungles
08 February 2012
published by www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com
India — Wildlife organization Eco-Pro has announced a daylong sit-in agitation on Wednesday in front of the office of Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF) here to protest the department’s apathy towards initiation of fire protection works in the jungles.
President of organization Bandu Dhotre had taken up the issue with APCCF (planning and development) Shri Bhagwan during his recent visit to Chandrapur. He said that forest fires in Chandrapur start right from March, causing severe loss to forest and wildlife. Hence, fire line cutting, deployment of fire watchers and other remedial measures have to be taken up by February 15. “People who visit jungles to collect Moha flowers and other forest produce put up fires in the jungle. However, this year, no work regarding fire protection has been initiated so far for lack of funds,” said Dhotre.
“Fire watchers keep an eye on the jungle and raise an alarm in case of fire from March to June 15. It helps in mobilizing fire dousing machinery with immediate effect. However this time their deployment too is also withheld,” he lamented.
“The organization had urged Shri Bhagwan to arrange for funds during his visit. But as nothing has been done so far, Eco-Pro is left with no option but to take up an agitation,” Dhotre said.
