Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (SP)

Beltangady, Jan 5: Forest fire has been raging in Charmadi Ghat area since the last some days. As per an estimate, over 60,000 acres of forests and bio diversity have been reduced to ashes in this fire. The fire continues to spread, and is yet to be brought under control.

Fire has been spreading fast and wide because of strong wind in the area since the last three days. Four peaks within the taluk, and four more located in Moodigere taluk have been occupied by flames. Peaks like Hosamanegudda, Dodderi Betta, Ramanagudda, Durgada Betta, Madagundi, and Kalpanemara areas have become black due to burnt forests. As vehicles are unable to reach these areas, operation to douse fire could not be undertaken. Unless the fire is contained, there is fear of it spreading to neighbouring areas like Menasina Hadya, Hunasebetta, Kudremukh, Kottigehara etc.

State secretary of National Environment Conservation Union, Shashidhar Shetty, says that this fire was not natural. He has accused coffee estate owners of hatching a conspiracy and starting this fire.