In March 2023 when this correspondent had been to the Igguthappa Malma, the sight of the damage to the forests leading upto the Malma was devastating to behold. The forest fires have become an annual environmental disaster and the cause for it is seldom analysed. This year was no exception, with a wildfire spreading across swiftly at the Kakkabe Igguthappa Naladi Hill Range last week.
Fortunately with the cooperation of locals and the Madikeri Bhagamandala Zonal Forest Officer and staff, the Malma was spared/saved using fire extinguishers. The situation was helped also thanks to the rain bearing clouds and a light drizzle that cleared and doused the burning embers to bring it under control.
Speaking to the Padi Sri Igguthappa Temple Authorities who are distraught by this recurring event, they cannot but point out that this is a man made phenomena. The quiet but deep thinking President of the Bhaktha Sangha suggested that all the communities living in sensitive peripheral forest areas be educated by the Forest Department and Civic bodies in preventing such occurrences. It could also just be pranks played by children with their unintentional acts getting out of control.
The need for proper fire lines cannot be over emphasised. The Forest Department should undertake this essential preventive measure and also encourage nearby Plantation Owners to makes these fire lines.
The world has been witness to catastrophic wild fires which have become an annual spectacle of devastation in California. The most recent being the fire in Los Angeles causing extreme damage to property. The bush fires in Australia caused untold damage to the environment and scrubland – including large scale destruction of wildlife. In this context, elephants have been entering plantations in the Naladi area consequent to the recent fires.
Here are some more pictures showing the impact of what forest fires could result in taken a couple of years ago:
As has been often stated – PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE.
It is our collective responsibility to be more vigilant and participate in preventive measures including educating tribals and tourists to be careful and responsible in such sensitive areas.
A lot of news gets disseminated through WhatsApp University rendering most of what appears in the media to be second hand. However, what I have observed with Coffeeland News is an attempt to analyze the news and offer solutions and a way forward rather than adding more stress to what is already out there making the news. That is refreshing and responsible reporting.
Focusing on Forest Fires:
1. Kodavas revere the Sacred Forests and Mother Nature. The forest cover has come down drastically over the decades and all of us have to work together with the Forest Department to ensure that these man-made fires do not destroy the precious green cover of our sacred land. The Igguthappa Malma in particular has come close to being destroyed many times in the past few years and that would have been terrible.
2. The impact on the destruction of precious Wild berries, fruits and flowers is immense. This is so critical for smaller creatures like birds, butterflies and smaller animals. Nature’s balance gets disturbed as everything is so finely tuned – wild berries are now a rarity to find.
3. The Forest Department could hold Workshops in different zones with special emphasis on those who have been allotted parcels of land within the forest for dwellings. These areas must be provided with proper fire lines as a precautionary measure.
4. Human Animal conflict is on the rise for many reasons. Unless regreening with native trees and rejuvenation of water bodies take place, what will the poor animals subsist on? In many parts of the country proper regreening measures are being implemented with full involvement by the Forest Department and private social organizations. This is critical if we are to maintain our green cover.
5. Last but not the least, tourism is definitely taking its toll on the resources of the land. There are many day-trippers who arrive in tempo travellers with virtually no benefit for the local economy and contribute to the garbage. Perhaps the District Administration should levy an admission fee and use these resources for regreening and reforms to improve the social consciousness of the residents as well as tourists.
Very interesting and thought provoking article. Most of the forest fires in Kodagu are man-made which has become an increasingly concerning issue which requires immediate attention and collective action. By understanding the causes, consequences and prevention strategies, we can work together to mitigate the impacts of these devastating fires and protect our precious forests.