Nallamala Forest Fire Persists: Smoldering Smoke Continues After Week-Long Blaze
A full week after intense flames ravaged sections of the Nallamala forests, the fire along the Amrabad-Srisailam road in Nagarkurnool district has still not been completely extinguished. Persistent wisps of smoke continue to rise from deep valley stretches, serving as a stark reminder of the blaze's stubborn hold despite sustained and continuous firefighting efforts by ground teams and specialized personnel.
Contained but Not Extinguished: The Current Situation
While ground teams have successfully contained the spread of the fire, pockets of smoldering vegetation continue to burn beneath the surface, according to official statements. The fire affected significant sections of the Brahmagiri range within the ecologically sensitive Amrabad Tiger Reserve landscape. Preliminary assessments indicate that nearly 60 hectares of forest was gutted in the Brahmagiri range under the Amrabad division, with the fire sweeping through the Tatigundala section and damaging forest stretches across Vajrala Madugu, Tavisipenta, and up to the Akkamahadevi caves.
Suspected Deliberate Arson and Legal Action
Forest officials strongly suspect that the blaze was deliberately set, with miscreants from nearby villages believed to be behind the irresponsible act. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests C Suvarna confirmed that an undetected forest offence report case has been registered, and field officers have been directed to initiate legal action, including filing a formal FIR against the perpetrators.
"Fire breaks out every season in spite of our efforts because of irresponsible tourists mostly and sometimes locals," Suvarna stated. "But all efforts are on to contain. This is mostly ground fire. This is the large fire since last week; our staff was continuously there in the area and doused the surrounding areas. There is smoldering smoke from areas in the valley, which is being reflected even after dousing the fire."
Detection and Response Efforts
The incident was initially detected through advanced GIS-based satellite alert systems, following which ground staff were immediately mobilized to the vulnerable stretches. Forest personnel, assisted by special task force teams, rushed to the area and worked continuously to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further to adjacent forest areas.
According to initial estimates, about three kilometers of forest along the Srisailam-Hyderabad road was also affected by the spreading flames. Officials noted that most forest fires during this period occur after winter and are largely attributed to human activity rather than natural causes.
Ecological Impact and Ongoing Monitoring
The persistent smoldering in valley areas presents ongoing challenges for forest authorities, who continue to monitor the situation closely. Suvarna described the incident largely as a ground fire, but emphasized that seasonal fires continue to occur despite preventive measures implemented by forest departments.
The Amrabad Tiger Reserve, home to diverse flora and fauna, has suffered significant damage in the Brahmagiri range, raising concerns about the long-term ecological impact of such deliberate fires. Forest authorities remain vigilant as they work to completely extinguish the remaining smoldering vegetation and prevent any potential re-ignition in the affected areas.
