JAIPUR: For second time in a week, a massive fire erupted in Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR) on Sunday, this time in sourn fringes of forest, as strong winds fanned flames in already scorched region.
The fire, which had initially erupted on Friday and was contained later in day by alert forest staff and employees of a hotel, spun out of control on Sunday and spread in an area of one square kilometre. This comes barely a week after anor area of STR came under grip of a massive wildfire, which was finally contained with help of Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters.
A forest staff said, "The wildfire in Jahaj range began on Saturday and continues to destroy large tracts of forests in a one square km area. High winds had fuelled blaze for two days, spreading it in an unbridled manner. The fire can be controlled if re is a dip in wind velocity. Efforts are on to contain fire."
Sources claimed re is no wildlife in area and villages are situated approximately 7 km to 8 km from affected area. "There is a possibility that fire can engulf areas where villages are located if it is not contained on time," said anor staff.
Explaining reason for frequent fires, a forest official claimed, "A weak monsoon in past, which led to dry conditions in India's forests, is one of reasons. This has been aggravated by soaring temperatures due to climate change. Lack of moisture in soil and a build-up of dry leaves on forest floor have served as fuel for fires that spread quickly because of strong winds."
Sources said nearly all fires are man-made, eir deliberate or accidental. Villagers, who live close to forest area, set off fires to clear land for fresh grass that can be used as fodder. A forest staff said, "The reserve is spread across 1,281 square km area and is divided into six ranges. There are many villagers living inside and on periphery. The fires may have erupted due to human carelessness."
