WILD FIRE CAUSES DESTRUCTION;

Madikeri March 8, 2008

Wild fire in Kodagu is creating havoc, engulfing forests in many parts and threatening the lives of birds and animals.

Fire since two days has engulfed more than five thousand acres and the people living around complain that the forest department and admisitration has not stiired a grass to control it. Wild animals are running for safety and are being noticed in villages and towns around national park.

Aanekad area at Kushalnagar caught fire yesterday. Fire brigade and forest department are trying their best to contain the fire in vain as it is spreading with the winds.

A coffee estate in Andagove village has also caught fire, engulfing hundreds of plants. Planter Jayakumar has incurred huge loss. RFO Chinnappa has said that miscreants have put fire in few parts of Kushalnagar forest area.

At Somwarpet, Erepare and other forest ranges have caught fire and more than hundred acre Acacia and bamboo trees are devoured by the wild fire. According to forest department, the fire spread as the field owners have failed to put off fire at night. Many houses in the forest border are also facing danger and the department is trying to quell fire with the help of public.

About sixty acres of forest at Siddapur has raging fire causing panic to the forest dwellers. About fifteen acres of plantation in Chettalli research Farm is burnt and the ambulance put off the fire on time avoiding major destruction. Madikeri has also experienced wild fire and so also many other villages.

Photo: Forest fire at Kushalnagar

PEOPLE BATH IN HOLY IRPU FALLS;

Famed as “Dakshina Kashi”, Irpu witnessed spiritual vibration with Sri Rameshwar festival being held yesterday. Hundreds of devotees took holy bath in the water falls and conducted pooja at the temple below.

Special busses were taking devotees to the temple from Srimangala town. Distribution of food, bathing the diety was some of the special attractions for the devotees. Tourists from outside have also enjoyed the treat.

Police had organized elaborate security.

GOVERNMENT NODES TO CAPTURE TIGER;

The government has okayed capturing tiger in Kodagu causing serious concern.

SO far about 23 cattle were killed by tiger in South Kodagu alone since December. The action comes as the people began an indefinite dharna before the forest office at Virajpet by keeping a carcass of a cow being killed by the tiger recently. The two day protest was called off as the officials said that the principal conservator of forests has issued order to capture the tiger immediately. The order will hold good for next four months.

Meanwhile the ACFO Patak sought apology from people over phone for his rude behaviour with the people.

District forest officials said that they will began operation tiger immediately without any delay.