Forest fires rage in Chhattisgarh, thousands of hectares in danger

Massive forest fires are spreading across Chhattisgarh, threatening thousands of hectares of green cover. The Marwahi Forest Region, known as the "Green Belt of Asia," is one of the worst-hit areas, with the fire raging for three days in the Shankargarh hills of Banjari Ghat. The challenging terrain and steep slopes have made it difficult for the forest department to control the blaze.

Forest fires rage in Chhattisgarh

Local forest officials said the fire was allegedly set by tendu leaf and mahua pickers, a common practice that has spiralled out of control, spreading rapidly due to dry leaves and strong winds.

Forest department officials are working to contain the flames using fire motors along the main road. To prevent further spread, a petrol-powered fire-cutting machine that can do the work of five people has been deployed. However, officials, including forest employees Sandeep Porate and Sagar Manikpuri, acknowledge that the inaccessibility of the Shankargarh hills remains a major challenge, making it nearly impossible to fully extinguish the fire.

The fire’s spread has severely damaged trees, plants, and wildlife, raising concerns about the ecological impact.

Forest department personnel report that forest fires are common in summer, but this year’s increasing incidents across Chhattisgarh alarmed authorities. These fires harm the environment and threaten biodiversity. Officials emphasise that unless deliberate fires set to exploit forest produce are controlled, such crises will persist.

Bhilwara, MP forest fire spreads, officials act

Meanwhile, a massive forest fire along the Bhilwara-Madhya Pradesh border has destroyed nearly 100 hectares of green cover. Originating in Neemuch district, Madhya Pradesh, the fire spread to Bijolia, Bhilwara due to strong winds.

Bhilwara Divisional Forest Officer Gaurav Garg stated that a five-member committee, including assistant conservators, rangers, and field officers, has been formed to assess the damage and plan restoration efforts. Based on their findings, large-scale tree-planting initiatives will be undertaken in the affected areas.

Given Bijolia’s rocky terrain, thin soil, and dry grass, the risk of forest fires remains high during the dry season. Coordination with the Madhya Pradesh forest department and local volunteers is ongoing to prevent further spread. Authorities are working on creating a second defense line to protect wildlife and local communities.

As fire incidents rise across the region, officials stress the urgent need for preventive measures and stricter regulations to curb human-induced forest fires.

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