Several trees gutted in forest fire at Taljai hills

PUNE A large number of trees, many of which were full grown, were gutted in a forest fire on Sunday evening at Taljai hills

PUNE A large number of trees, many of which were full grown, were gutted in a forest fire on Sunday evening at Taljai hills.

A large number of trees, many of which were full grown, were gutted in a forest fire on Sunday evening at Taljai hills. (HT PHOTO)

The fire department reached around 45 minutes late at the spot, prompting angry reactions from environmentalists and civil society members who alleged that the fire department including the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) which controls the fire department was lax in its approach in protecting the rich biodiversity of Taljai hills.

During the last fifteen days, ever since the onset of the sweltering heat, the number of fire related incidents had gone up at Taljai hills with significant threats to different species of flora and fauna, birds, insects and snakes, said environmentalists.

Fire brigade chief Sunil Gilbile said that at least five to six incidents have taken place at the spot during the past fifteen days.

Residents claimed that the area is a reserve forest area and the presence of a fire tender is mandatory during summers, taking into account the constant nature of fire incidents being reported.

According to Jaywant Talekar, a fire official attached to Katraj fire division, some miscreants are deliberately setting the woods on fire, citing a number of similar incidents reported during the past two weeks. “Due to traffic jams, it becomes difficult for the fire brigade to reach on time but still we take all steps to ensure that we reach on time to control the flames.”

Sanjay Gurjar , a Pune-based environmentalist said, “Taljai hills is a hot spot of rare plant and animal species and we need a permanent solution during summer season. A stationary fire tender is needed to tackle fire crisis if it happens in future.”