Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Mar 23: Several acres of forest green cover have been reduced to ashes in Dakshina Kannada due to the wildfire. The forest cover in Beltangady, Subramanya, Uppinangady, and several other places were destroyed in wildfire.

Though the exact reason for the forest fire is not ascertained, according to environmental experts, it is a man-made tragedy. It is said that fire is being lit to chase wild animals especially to control the menace of wild elephants and other animals to protect their cultivation.

The forest department has no sufficient staff and equipment to control the fire.

Speaking to daijiworld.com social activist Dinesh Holla said, "The green cover in the Western Ghats was destroyed due to the forest fire. Fire accidents are man-made. Several resorts and homestays have come up nearer to the forest land. As the green cover is destroyed, there is a scarcity of water. Due to the wildfire, the shola forest and green cover in the Western Ghats have been destroyed. It is because there is no water in the catchment area."

He also added that as there is no sufficient staff, it is very difficult to douse the fire on time.