Fires rage in Periyar Tiger Reserve

Thiruvananthapuram: Fires are occurring in Periyar Tiger Reserve as summer advances.

Satellites of NASA's Earth Observing System Data and Information System have detected fires in the South West and North East parts of the Reserve during the past 24 hours. Several fires had occurred in different parts of the sanctuary early this month.

Fires have also occurred in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary during the past 48 hours.

While the Forest Department is not doing much to check the fires, it has taken steps for ecorestoration of 39 hectares forest plantations at Pampadumchola which were destroyed in fire last year. College students and environmental activists are cooperating with the venture which tries to prevent soil erosion and encourage re-generation of the forest.