Mangaluru, Dec 17, 2017: A forest fire noticed in the Charmady Ghat area on Saturday has caused apprehension among environmentalists. Though normally forest fires are seen during the peak of summer this time an incident of forest fire at Barimale Somanakadu valley in Charmady Ghat was a rude shock.
The fire was noticed by a team of trekkers from Sahyadri Samrakshana Sanchaya who visited the area. The information has been passed on to Kottigehara Forest officials.
There is now apprehension that such forest fires during winter may reduce rain fall and also affect Netravathi river.
Dinesh Holla of Sahyadri Samrakshana Sanchaya says there is a rubber estate close by the place where the fire was noticed. He points out that forest fires are a common phenomenon here and it was seen even this February. He also alleges that rubber estates are located in several acres of reserve forest area here.