Fire prevention works begin in the Nilgiris forests

This year, officials expect to potentially have to battle more fires due to the intense cold season during the winter leading to much of the undergrowth drying up and contributing to biomass that could fuel fires during the summer season.

In preparation, around 300 km of fire lines are being drawn in the core area of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, with 400 km of fire lines also being readied in the buffer zone. A fire line is a break in foliage measuring a few meters wide that can help contain fires and prevent them from spreading quickly through reserve forests.

Officials said that around 300 km of fire lines are being drawn in the core area of MTR. The fire lines are between six and 15 meters and are being drawn along the inter-State border with Karnataka as well as within forest ranges and divisions. Controlled burning of undergrowth is also being undertaken in around 15 km on both sides of the National Highway cutting through the tiger reserve.

In the buffer zone, maintenance work is being undertaken in around 400 km of fire lines, while controlled burns will also be undertaken in the coming days and weeks, said officials. “The buffer zone will also temporarily employ 40 fire watchers from surrounding villages, while a slightly remodelled van has also been purchased to transport the fire watchers and fire fighting equipment to remote areas,” an official stated, adding that water troughs too are being filled for both wildlife as well as to fight fires.

Tractors, water tanks, air blowers, fire rakes and headlamps have also been readied for use in cases of emergencies. Tourists are also being sensitised to fire safety and to ensure that they do not accidentally cause fires due to negligence.

Thermal cameras and drone cameras are also being employed to maintain vigil in forest areas and prevent people from starting fires. Fire prevention works are being undertaken not only in MTR, but also in the Nilgiris and Gudalur forest divisions, officials added.