Forest Department takes measures to prevent fires in Kanchi district

On Saturday, a team of 40 forest officials headed by the Chengalpet forest ranger A Gobu, visited the Paranur forest located on the side of Trichy – Chennai National Highway and cleared the dried grass and vegetations in the area.

They are at risk to catch fire easily. After clearing this, the officials made a fire prevention line around the forest for about 3 kilometre. 

According to officials, the initiative will continue in other reserve forests falling within the Kancheepuram district, following directions from the district forest officer.

When contacted, Forest Ranger Gobu told DT Next said, “This process is undertaken every year during the summer. Most of the forest fires are manmade as the people who are travelling on the National Highway throw lit-cigarettes carelessly. The cigarette buds are disposed in an unsafe manner.” 

The officer further stated, “We will be guarding the place against such fires and will create such fire prevention lines throughout the forest cover in Kancheepuram district.”