Jharkhand: Wildfire raging across core area of Palamu Tiger Reserve
India Today
Efforts are underway to douse the devastating wildfire which has been raging across the core area of Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Latehar, Jharkhand, since March.
Devastating wildfire has gripped forests of the core area of Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Latehar, Jharkhand and efforts are on to douse the fire.
A host of factors has led to the fire in the areas including Baresandh, Garu East, Garu West and Mahuadand forest areas since March.
Forest fires are generally caused due to burning of dried leaves by locals to pick up Mahua fruit as they enter the forest reserve to collect it.
Other reasons include clearing of paths in the forest by burning dry bushes by forest dwellers, friction caused due to rolling of stone in forests and also rubbing of dry sticks.
Furthermore, rising mercury and high-speed winds have coupled together to further fuel the already spreading fire.
Due to raging wildfires, huge losses of forest wealth are being incurred. Along with this, the wildlife is also suffering.
The forest department is carrying out efforts to bring the fire under control with the available resources. It is carrying out an awareness programme among forest dwellers apprising them about preventive steps regarding forest fire and also ways of controlling it.
