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| Unraveling the Sulthan Bathery Forest Fire: A Wayanad Case Study |
Recently, the Sulthan Bathery forest range, nestled within the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, fell victim to a devastating forest fire, ravaging nearly 100 hectares of land. This incident underscores the persistent threat posed by forest fires and highlights the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate such disasters.
Incident Overview:
Originating in Karassery, the fire swiftly engulfed vast areas within the sanctuary, including Kumbram Kolly, Ezhekkar, Narikkolly, and Kottanode. The prompt response from three units of Fire and Rescue Services, along with the concerted efforts of approximately 150 individuals, succeeded in containing the blaze after six hours of relentless struggle. Regrettably, this marked the fourth fire to afflict the sanctuary in the current year, exacerbated by the combustible combination of dried bamboo pods, scorching temperatures, gusty winds, and parched undergrowth.
Impact on Biodiversity:
Beyond the devastation inflicted upon the forest, adjacent rubber plantations also bore the brunt of the inferno. Concerns loom over the welfare of lower mammals and reptiles inhabiting the sanctuary, as media reports hint at possible injuries sustained amidst the chaos.
Insights into Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary:
Established in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary stands as a cherished sanctuary, attracting tourists with its diverse array of flora and fauna. Home to iconic species such as elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, and a plethora of exotic birds, the sanctuary boasts breathtaking landscapes adorned with tropical rainforests and captivating waterfalls like the Meenmutty and Soochipara falls.
Forest Fires in India:
The tragedy at Sulthan Bathery underscores a broader issue of forest fires across India. Geographically diverse, these fires manifest in distinct patterns influenced by forest types and climatic conditions. The Himalayan states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir face heightened risks during dry summer months, particularly in chir pine forests. Central Indian states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha witness fires in dry deciduous forests preceding the monsoon. Meanwhile, the Northeast grapples with fires in its tropical evergreen forests during dry winters. Even the southern states, including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, are not immune to such perils. The exacerbation of forest fires is attributed to climate change, human activities, and alterations in land use, accentuating the urgency of preventive measures nationwide.