The combination of searing heat due to rising mercury levels this summer preceded by unprecedented drought owing to monsoon failure in 2023 has brought to the fore the threat of forest fires plaguing national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka.
Bandipur, Nagarahole, MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, BRT Tiger Reserve are more prone to devastating fires given the dry deciduous nature of the vegetation. Add to this, the proliferation of invasive weed lantana, and the stage is set for a conflagration that could go out of control.
