Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady/Mangaluru (MS)

Beltangady/Mangaluru, Mar 12: The wildfire that was burning for the past one week at Shibaje including Miyaru reserve forest has been calmed down. However, public are calling for deployment of at least two helicopters from the Goa naval force at the district centre to deal with further fires.

The forest area of Shishila, Shibaje, Miyaru, Savanalu and Shirlalu has been virtually burnt to ashes in the recent wildfires. Due to the efforts of forest department, fire service personnel and locals, the fire is now under control.

On March 11, a temperature of 41 deg C was recorded on the mobile app. As the wildfire that burnt trees has not been put off completely, the sparks are likely to fall on the dry grass due to heavy breeze and cause further wildfires.

Considering the area of forest that has been destroyed due to the wildfires this year, it will take at least another decade for the forest to grow to the same extent. Forest department gives grants every year for replanting of trees. Locals say that instead of replanting the department should install CCTV cameras to protect the forest, build check dams to store water for summer and instead of using pipes to supply water during summer use natural path for the water to flow inside the forest. This will prevent the wildfires as the forest will be more cooler and moist during summer.

A campaign on social media to use helicopters to bring wildfires under control is on. Beltangady MLA Harish Poonja has written a letter in this regard to CM Bommai. DC Ravikumar also said that he will speak with forest and fire service personnel and take immediate action to prevent further loss of forest area due to wildfires.