TTD on a special mission to prevent forest fires, says forest officer

Tirupati: In view of controlling the incidences of forest fire, which generally occur in summer in Seshachalam ranges, the TTD forest department is prepared and has taken special measures to meet any contingency, said TTD forest officer D. Phanikumar Naidu.

Addressing the media at Tirumala on Tuesday, Mr Phanikumar said that TTD has drawn up special measures including setting up of watch towers, fire lines and fire fighting squads to guard the forest wealth from fire accidents during summer.

“TTD has set 40 feet high four watchtowers in Tirupati and five towers in Tirumala forest belt comprising of 2,950 hectares. A well-equipped forest fire fighting squad is also kept on round the clock basis to keep a lookout for smoke that signals fire,” he said.

The areas under watch tower includes Nakkalavanka, Samidhula plots, firewood depot, SV poor home nursery in Tirupati range and Narayanagiri Padalu, Kakulakonda, windmills area, Chittekkudu (Gali Gopuram point).

“Two forest guards would keep watch on 24-hour basis. While fire fighting squads comprising 80 members at Tirupati and 70 in Tirumala to keep regular watch. The guards are provided with two vehicles for each zone to reach the fire faster. They will use blowers to remove dry leaves and fire engines on roadside spots,” he said.

Meanwhile, the TTD has also dug up fire lines of 10x20 meters size for 49 km amidst the thick shrubs and forest trees to break the spread of fire.

TTD is also contemplating to put up 45 cement water pits in addition to the existing in the forest belt to quench the thirst of wild animals. During summer when streams dry up, the cement pits are modelled in shape of a saucer to facilitate easy access to animals, the FO said.