The situation on the water front in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) is causing concern, but not alarming, said Raguram Singh, Field Director, MTR, here on Thursday.
Though some parts had become very dry, other areas remained green. Hence the question of closing the reserve did not arise now. However, “we have put in place a plan of action to deal with the situation,” he told The Hindu .
Pointing out that there was some water in the Ombetta and Game Hut reservoirs, he said that the troughs in various parts of the reserve were being filled with water almost every day. When asked about the threat posed by bush fires, Mr. Singh said that all possible precautionary measures had been taken.
He said that a control room manned by eight persons was functioning round the clock. Rapid Response Teams with adequate water and fire fighting, and communication facilities were kept in a state of preparedness to move at short notice. Fire watchers had been stationed at vantage points such as Karadibetta, Agni betta and Then parai. A few minor fires had occurred in the Masinagudy range.
