After being caught in a devastating series of floods and landslides during the just concluded monsoon, the vast swaths of forest land up the mountains of Pathanamthitta have now been taken over by the spectre of wind-driven flames.
According to officials, the extremely hot, dry season that has set in over the region has brought the season of wildfires much earlier with the vegetation in several areas desiccating into perfect tinder, giving the forest officials and those living on the forest fringes sleepless nights. Adding to their concerns, instances of wildfires have begun pouring in from different locations including Konni, Chittar, Seethathodu and Perumbetty.
