CID likely to probe Bandipur forest fires

To investigate reasons behind the frequent incidents

With thousands of acres of forests in Bandipur tiger reserve gutted in the recent forest fires, the State government is likely to direct the Criminal Investigation Department to probe into reasons for such frequent incidents.

Minister for Forests and Environment B. Ramanath Rai chaired a review meeting of senior officials of the department to assess damage occurred to flora and fauna in the reserve.

During the meeting, the department said it is likely to hand over the probe of the fire, which claimed the life of a forest officer, to the CID.

The probe is intended to find out the reason, as allegations surfaced that it was set on fire intentionally by locals or trespassers.

Fire in Kappatagudda

Meanwhile, a minor wild fire was reported from the foothills of the Kappatagudda in Gadag district, a biodiversity hotspot, on Friday. Forest Department officials said there was no thick vegetation in the area as it has not received rain for the last three years.

According to sources, the fire was noticed in the forest land between Veerapur Tanda and Bidanal village of Mundaragi taluk.

Grass and shrubs spread over 12 acres was destroyed. The loss was minimal as it was not a thick forest area, they said.

Enquiry was on to ascertain the reason for the fire.