Fire at Dodderibetta on Charmadi Ghat

Fire at Dodderibetta on Charmadi Ghat

Mangalore Today News Network

Mumbai, Dec 24, 2017: Man’s unprecedented meddling with nature once again came to the fore as fire broke out at Dodderibetta near Charmadi on Dec 22, Friday night. A source privy to the development confirmed the incident.  Dinesh Holla, convener of Sahyadri Samrakshana Sanchaya, said the forest department, including forest minister B Ramanath Rai, had not been responding to calls. The regional forest officer did not take calls and  was not available for a comment despite repeated calls.

Forest fire was also seen at Barimale, Somanakadu on the Charmadi Ghat a few days ago. Such forest fires are generally seen in the months of March-April, when the humidity and temperature soar. However, a series of fire incidents in the Charmadi Ghat in December has raised eyebrows of environmentalists and the public.

It may be recalled that minister Rai had said that forest fire was a natural phenomenon. However, the Mangaluru divisional forest officer V Karikalan had said there was nothing as natural forest fire and such fire is 100% induced.  Real estate business, too, is expanding at a rapid pace in the Ghats.