Mangaluru Forest Department Ramps Up Fire Prevention Measures Ahead of Peak Season
With the forest fire season officially underway, the Mangaluru circle of the Karnataka Forest Department has significantly intensified its surveillance and response mechanisms across vulnerable forest stretches. The department has deployed nearly 300 forest watchers in sensitive zones to proactively prevent and swiftly respond to any fire incidents that may occur during this critical period.
Strategic Deployment Across Four Districts
The Mangaluru Circle encompasses the revenue districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, along with parts of Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga districts. To ensure constant monitoring and rapid response capabilities, approximately 70 fire camps have been established throughout the region. This network is particularly crucial for the 2.9 lakh hectares of forest land, most of which is spread across the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats, an area known for its biodiversity and vulnerability to fires.
Comprehensive Preparedness and Fire-Line Clearance
V Karikalan, Conservator of Forest for the Mangaluru circle, detailed the department's extensive preparedness exercises. As part of these efforts, the department has completed fire-line clearance and controlled burning along nearly 2,100 kilometers. These fire lines are strategically created along regular patrol routes and roads by clearing vegetation, thereby forming a vital buffer zone. This measure is designed to prevent flames from jumping from one forest compartment to another, effectively containing potential fire spread.
"To strengthen our ground response capabilities, we have engaged around 300 fire watchers since January," Karikalan explained. "These individuals are largely drawn from nearby villages and tribal communities, which provides us with better local support and ensures quicker response times during emergencies."
Organized Response Structure and Extended Tenure
The fire watchers are strategically stationed across the 70 camps, with about 10 camps specifically covering all identified sensitive points. In the event of a fire outbreak, teams can be mobilized immediately to douse the flames. While these fire watchers are typically engaged until March, their tenure may be extended to April or May if summer conditions persist, ensuring continuous coverage during the most hazardous months.
Multi-Departmental Coordination and Public Awareness
In addition to physical deployments, the forest department has conducted fire drills and awareness programmes since December, coordinating closely with the fire and emergency services as well as the health department. These drills are organized at both district and taluk levels, while awareness campaigns target schools, colleges, and forest-fringe villages. The primary goal of these initiatives is to discourage human-induced fires, which are a significant cause of forest blazes.
Meetings have also been held with panchayat members and revenue officials to ensure a coordinated, multi-agency approach to fire prevention and management. This collaborative effort aims to streamline communication and resource sharing during critical situations.
Advanced Equipment and Emergency Resources
All forest ranges and divisions within the Mangaluru circle have been equipped with state-of-the-art firefighting gear. This includes:
- Water sprayers for direct fire suppression
- Protective masks, goggles, and gloves for personnel safety
- Other essential protective equipment to ensure operational efficiency
Each of the 70 fire camps has been provided with an additional vehicle and a water tanker to guarantee immediate availability of water during emergencies. The department has also identified key water sources throughout the forest areas to support sustained firefighting operations.
Technological Integration and Air Support Readiness
Looking toward advanced solutions, the department plans to utilize drones for forest fire detection when necessary. These unmanned aerial vehicles can provide real-time surveillance over large and inaccessible areas, enhancing early warning capabilities.
Furthermore, in cases of severe fires where ground access becomes difficult or impossible, the department may seek assistance from the Indian Air Force. A designated nodal officer has been appointed to facilitate this coordination, ensuring that aerial support can be mobilized promptly if required.
The Mangaluru Forest Department's comprehensive strategy—combining human resources, equipment, technology, and inter-agency cooperation—demonstrates a robust commitment to safeguarding the region's precious forest ecosystems during the high-risk fire season.
