FOREST FIRE IN MELGHAT-GUGAMAL TIGER RESERVE
Forest fire in Melghat-Gugamal tiger reserve
23 April 2008
published by pib.nic.in
India — As per the news item, the affected area was reported to be 2000-2200 ha.aas per the report received from the State Forest Department of Maharashtra, no incidence of devastating forest fires has been reported in Gugamal National Park of Melghat Tiger Reserve in Amravati District, Maharashtra during the current fire season. However, some fire incidences of ground fire have been reported from the buffer area of Gugamal National Park of Melghat Tiger Reserve. The details of forest area affected due to forest fire during the last three years are as under-
YearTotal Forest Area (sq.km)Area affected (sq.km)Percentage20062027.39124.226.1320072027.39151.587.472008 (upto 10/4/08 )2027.3960.973.00
The measures which are adopted to prevent and control the forest fires include
As per management plan prescriptions, fire protection works are carried out in the Tiger Reserves and protected area. Network of firelines is created.
During the fire season, round the clock vigil is maintained by engaging fire watchers.
Special fire patrolling squads are deployed to extinguish the fire.
Wireless network has been installed in 4 Forest Circles and in 10 Protected Areas.
Awareness programmes are organized for people living in and around forest areas.
Financial and technical help is provided to the States under various centrally sponsored schemes.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment & Forests, Shri S. Regupathy, in a written reply to a question by Shri Nikhil Kumar, in the Lok Sabha today.
