Bush fires are keeping forest personnel on their toes in various parts of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) and its surroundings, including areas falling under the Nilgiris North forest division.
Even as a fire that broke out at Moyar on Saturday was being brought under control on Sunday, the fire service personnel had to rush to Thorapalli in the Kargudy range where another fire was reported. Speaking to The Hindu, Deputy Director of MTR D. Chandran said the blaze charred about 15 acres before it was extinguished at Thorapalli. The extent of damage caused by the fire that broke out on Saturday was yet to be assessed.
To a question, he said the fires were suspected to be the handiwork of miscreants.
Though villagers are cooperating with the forest department in keeping an eye on areas vulnerable to bush fires, some unidentified persons are indulging in such anti-social activities. Patrolling has been intensified.
A round-the-clock vigil was being maintained from specially erected watch towers.
Special teams have been formed to nab the culprits. If caught, stringent action will be taken against them.
