With the commencement of the summer season, the Forest Department has taken precautionary measures to check forest fire on the ghat road leading to the hill station of Yercaud.
Tourists
A large number of tourists from different parts of Tamil Nadu and also from the neighbouring states of Karnakata and Kerala are expected to throng Yercaud for enjoying the summer weather.
The forest men have launched fire prevention measures and have been removing the garbage which could catch fire easily. The garbage of dry leaves on the roadsides are expected to catch fire, when the tourists throw the cigarettes, match sticks etc while proceeding in cars and two-wheelers.
The forest personnel have started distributing pamphlets at the department check-post on the ghat road urging people not to smoke while proceeding on the ghat road and also on the hill station.
The forest fire will harm the tourists, besides the wild animals, particularly the monkeys which are found in abundance on Yercaud hills.