Periyapatna: Fire ravaged more than 100 acres of reserve forest in Doddaharave of Periyapatna taluk and adjoining Maldare forest in Kodagu district. Many birds and animals were charred to death in the fire and locals suspect the hand of miscreants.
The fire that ravaged the dense forest occurred simultaneously from four corners. Unable to escape from the heat generated, many species of birds and animals got trapped and died. Large trees and different species of plants too were destroyed.
People living in tribal hamlets, few local organisations assisted forest personnel in dousing the fire.
The extent of damage could have been minimised with the timely arrival of fire force personnel from Periyapatna, said the environmentalists in the area. They urged the authorities to nab the miscreants responsible for setting the forest on fire.
They also urged the authorities to be prepared to prevent recurrence of such incidents by keeping water tankers ready for fire-fighting operations till the end of summer season.
