Activists Raise Concerns After Forest Fire Incidents

Frequent occurrences at Taljai, Katraj over the past two weeks; one hectare forest area has been charred by fires

- Gayatri Vajpeyee

PUNE: With as many as three forest fire incidents reported over a span of two weeks at Taljai hill, area residents and environmentalists have raised concerns over the security lapses that led to these incidents and the forest department's lack of preparedness in containing these occurrences.

Three separate forest fire incidents occurred at Taljai Hill on February 6, 9 and 14, affecting the local vegetation and biodiversity, especially native species. As per official data, nearly one hectare forest area at Taljai hill has been charred by forest fire incidents that have taken place since January this year. The forest department has registered cases against unknown persons for causing the fires at Taljai hill.

Lokesh Bapat, a member of the 'Tell Us' organisation, recalled, "My wife and I were walking near Taljai hill when we saw the fire. We immediately informed the range forest officer for Taljai hill. Soon, the range forest officer reached the spot."