Mysuru: “Though we provide all necessary equipment including gumboots to forest watchers, they fail to wear the same as they feel uncomfortable. But in days to come strict instructions will be given to the watchers to wear all necessary precautionary equipment while on duty”, said T Heeralal, Director of Bandipur National Park.
Heeralal said “The forest watchers most of whom from local tribals have been given all sorts of safety equipment including torch and gumboots but they neglect these things and just walk with slippers or sometimes bare foot. Though we have given strict instruction to them, they are not following the same but in days to come we will initiate action against those who fail to follow the given instructions.” On Saturday, while dousing the fire at Kalkere range of Bandipur National Park, three suffered injuries including RFO Gangadar and two forest watchers Manu and Manju. Some of the forest watchers also allege that they are not given proper equipment including shoes but the officials claim otherwise.
Heeralal also mentioned that workshops would be conducted on the precautionary measures to be taken during emergencies including forest fire for all the forest staff members especially those in the frontline including watchers. According to reliable sources, Bandipur National Park also lacks adequate staff members including forest watchers who play a very important role in keeping tab on forest fire.
