Bandhavgarh Park Fire Finally Put Out After 3 Days: Know Extent Of Damage & Why Its Terrifying
01 April 2021
Published by https://www.indiatimes.com/
INDIA – A massive fire at Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh was finally contained three days after it broke out. Known for its Royal Bengal Tigers, Bandhavgarh is an expanse of over 100 square km and one of the most popular national parks in India in the Vindhya Hills, several hundreds of kilometres from Bhopal.
What took so long to douse the fire?
The fire was believed to have spread to several zones including one of the three major zones- Magdi. Frightening visuals showed trees engulfed in blaze and vast expanse of grasslands covered in plumes of smoke. Inadequate resources were believed to one of the reasons, sources said, that took so long to douse the forest fire. Locals have said the authorities did not take timely action when the blaze broke out.
massive forest fire broke out at the #Bandhavgarh National Park efforts are still on to put out the blaze. Locals are saying Bandhavgarh national park is burning from 29th march 2021 night but steps were not taken to resolve the issue pic.twitter.com/4t5Lm1PuLg
— Anurag Dwary (@Anurag_Dwary) March 31, 2021
What is the extent of the damage?
Reports suggest that areas such as Panpatha, Tala, Khitoli, and Manpur have been affected by the fire, while it has been spreading from one part to another. It has also come to the attention of the authorities that certain wildlife species, including endangered ones have been affected by the fire. Thus, directing towards a catastrophe in the forests of Bandhavgarh.
At Bandhavgarh, visited by a large number of tourists annually, Magdi Zone is often under the focus of the park authorities to provide “more opportunity to spot tigers,” according to the official website.
Why is it terrifying?
Officials refused to divulge the areas affected but the fire is said to have spread across six ranges, including Panpatha, Khitoli, Tala and Manpur. The central Tala zone, which is known for tigers, is also said to be affected.
The forest fire could have dire consequences for wildlife. Tigers are integral to the national park, and are probably already affected due to the fire that raged. The forest is known to have about 7-8 tigers per sq km. It is a favourite among wildlife enthusiasts. In 1968, it was declared as a national park, and then a reserve in 1993.
We have just received news from Bandhavgarh that a forest fire is raging in the Khitauli area, the cause is thought to be human revelry as #Holi celebrations continue into the night. It reminds us why more safe waterholes are needed for wild #Tigers https://t.co/RGFgcgWSCb pic.twitter.com/Ml4XcNXFSp
— Tigers4Ever (@Tigers4Ever2010) March 29, 2021
This is the second tiger reserve where a forest fire has raised concern among environmentalists and conservationists. Earlier this month, a similar incident was reported at Odisha’s Similipal Reserve. Disturbing images from the Similipal forest in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha captured in bright orange flames in the night.
