5,457 hectares lost in forest fire
5,457 hectares lost in forest fire
25 April 2009
published by keralaonline.com
India — Kerala has lost 5,457 hectares of pristine forest land to forest fire during the summer.
As many as 920 accidents of fire outbreak were reported this season. The worst affected was the Eastern Forest Division covering Palakkad and Nilambur areas where 1,530 hectares of forest land was lost in 182 accidents of fire outbreak, according to latest estimates.
However, the summer rain has come as a relief to forest managers. The fire risk has come down considerably, and most forest areas are now out of danger due to the summer showers, said T.M. Manoharan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
The Southern Circle region comprising Kollam,Thiruvananthapuram and Pathanamthitta districts also suffered heavy loss. Here 408 hectares were destroyed in 270 accidents. Wildlife sanctuaries, including Thekkady, Munnar, Chinnar, Eravikulam, Silent Valley and Parambikulam, also faced fire distress. The loss was estimated at 948 hectares in 73 accidents, according to Forest authorities.
The loss of biodiversity has not been estimated, as no mechanism is in place for such an evaluation. No loss of wildlife was reported, Mr. Manoharan said.
The loss of 5,457 hectares cannot be termed a major loss considering the total 11 lakh hectares of forest land of the State.
