The Forest Department bracing to tackle forest fires is concerned over the Centre’s rule that government vehicles over 15 years should be deregistered and scrapped.
As a result of the policy of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the Fire and Emergency Services Department have limited number of vehicles that are not over 15 years.
Hence, they are unable to comply with the Forest Department’s requirements to deploy fire tenders in each division of Bandipur and Nagarahole. The sources said this policy has significantly diminished the capabilities of the Forest Department to fight any outbreak of forest fire.
