Rain douses wildfire in Kodaikanal

The fire had started 20 days ago and spread to some of the hills in the Kodaikanal range like Perumalmalai, Perumparai, Thandikudi, Pannaikadu and the Palani ranges. 

Thousands of acres of forest land were affected in the fire and many rare herbs and trees were destroyed. Though the Forest Department had taken steps to douse the fire, it had spread rapidly. 

On Monday, the Forest Department had announced that trekking in Kodaikanal was banned until June 16. However, showers commenced in the hills on Monday evening. The showers resumed on Tuesday morning and became heavy. Due to this, the wild fire was doused. Rains were also witnessed in the Kurangani hills on Tuesday ending the forest fire there.