Kids started Vetal Hills fire: Forest dept

PUNE: The Pune forest department has stated that the recent forest fires that broke out in the Vetal Hills, Bhamburda-Vanvihar area, were the handiwork of local children. Around 100 saplings and six acres of grassland were damaged in the blaze.
The report, which was submitted on Wednesday, has indicated that “the fires were set off by the children for the sake of fun�.
According to the report, there were two instances of fire during daylight on November 6 and 8.
The major fire incidents have put a question mark over the safety and security of preserving flora in the hilly areas surrounding Pune city. Incidents of forest fires are occasional, but the damage was higher this time.
The fire incidents had spread shock waves across the city as over 500 nature lovers and conscious citizens visit the Vetal Tekdi regularly. Some of them suspect that the fires were cases of sabotage by anti-social elements.
The growing menace of fire incidents has also caused deep concern among forest officers. Pune division’s deputy conservator of forests, Anurag Chaudhari, said at least 15 cases of fire were reported last year, compared to three this year. Chaudhari, however, agreed that the recent fire incidents were major.
Ruling out the possibility of naturally-caused forest fires, he said 99 per cent of cases were man-made. Chaudhari also ruled out the possibility of fire-crackers being used by the children.
“Our investigators have reached the conclusion that it must be the work of such children who enter the forest area in the day,� he said. These incidents were taking place repeatedly, he added.
Presently, two guards and 11 labourers are making efforts to stop the menace of trespassing on forest land. “Some eco-friendly citizens are also helping us in patrolling during the day,� Chaudhari said.
As an immediate step, public entry to the forest land has been prohibited between 10 am and 4.30 pm, he said.
Chaudhari added that intruding children include not only those from nearby slums, but also from good social backgrounds.