Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady (MS)

Beltangady, Mar 10: Around 4800 hectares of forest area got burnt in Shishila and Shibaje area of the taluk due to extreme heat and wild fire.

Locals, along with Uppinangady forest department personnel nearly 50 in number, are trying to bring the fire under control since a week.

The fire that is spread from Miyaru forest of Shishila, Shiradi reserve forest of Shibaje to Baloor of Chikkamagaluru seems like the fire has engulfed the whole hilly forest area in the night. Avinash Bhide, who is involved in putting of the fire gave the details and extent of damage.

The raging fire has totally covered Amedikallu, Singani Hill and Udaya hill. Thick smoke covered forest at Peradelu of Hathyadka village on Thursday. Eye witnesses confirmed huge fire at Malla area of Didupe of Beltangady taluk. Fire was also noticed at Patla, Kataje of Charmady-Kanapady reserve forest. Fire incidents are also reported at some private areas of Banjaru Male and other spots. On Wednesday, miscreants lit fire to dry grass on roadside at Ninnigallu.

It is suspected that the fire might have been deliberately lit in order to scare away the wild elephants. Vast area of forest was burnt down at Bandihole of Shibaje village on Wednesday. The fire which caught mobile tower at Perla was brought under control and huge catastrophe was averted as per information given by local resident Vishwanatha Shendye.