Chikkamagaluru: Forest fire erupts near Mullayyana Giri

Team Udayavani, Feb 11, 2024, 8:09 PM IST

A  fire has erupted in the Chennagondanahalli forest area, situated adjacent to the renowned tourist destination of Mullayyana Giri in Western Ghats. A thick cloud of smoke covered the adjoining areas. Despite the efforts of forest department personnel, the inferno continues to rage, posing a significant threat to the rich biodiversity.

The blaze, fueled by the relentless heat and gusts of wind, has swiftly engulfed a vast expanse of the forest, leaving the authorities struggling to contain its advance. Tragically, the fire has already consumed a wealth of invaluable medicinal plants and trees, exacerbating the environmental impact of the disaster.

It is suspected that the fire may have been ignited by the reckless actions of tourists visiting the area. The influx of visitors, coupled with the inaccessible terrain, has hindered firefighting efforts, leaving both humans and wildlife in perilous situations.

The fire has trapped holidaymakers who ventured to the Mullayyana Giri on Sunday, with the flames encroaching upon the nearby roads, causing traffic snarls and chaos. Despite the relentless efforts of fire brigade personnel, the blaze continues to spread, exacerbated by the dry leaves and gusty winds.

A forest department staff on the condition of anonymity lamented, “The fire is spreading rapidly, fueled by the wind and dry foliage, making it exceedingly challenging to contain.”