Satellite imageries by the National Remote Sensing Centre have contradicted the Forest Department’s claims that the damage owing to forest fire in Nagarahole last year was limited to a few hundred hectares.
Wildlife First, an advocacy group, said an analysis of satellite imageries was carried out from February 1 to March 3 last year, considering the gravity of the issue and the persistent efforts in the past to downplay the damage and under-report the extent of fire-affected areas.
The results said that an area of 24.5 sq km or 2,450 hectares of forests was affected by the fire, which is higher than the official statistics.
“Long-term data on the location of the fire in Nagarahole between 1991 and 1999 clearly establish that a large area within Metikuppe and Veeranahosahalli range have suffered severe damage with recurring and frequent fires,” according to Wildlife First.
While national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the State face imminent threat of forest fires due to drought this year, no action has been initiated to nab the perpetuators of last year’s fire, they added.
Source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/satellite-images-contradict-forest-departments-claims/article4327601.ece
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