Chennai: Huge fire that engulfed Sembakkam near Tambaram on the outskirts of the city on Monday evening set ablaze 100 trees and took the lives of several snakes, birds and animals.
This did not surprise residents of Sembakkam and areas surrounded by the town because this is not the first time a fire that erupted in the nearby forest spread.
Forest area in Sembakkam stretches along five kilometers from Sembakkam to Medavakkam junction and fire that erupted in the forest has spread to the nearby residential area for the sixth time in the recent past, but no steps have been taken by authorities concerned to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
Though it is dry trees and grass in the forest that triggers fire, it is the anti-social elements who are the actual cause for the problem. Residents of Sembakkam allege that tipplers, to have a very good time in the night, light the fire and do not put it off.
“People in gangs seek refuge in forest areas to drink and smoke which results in fire. But the frequent incidents of fire in the forest area not only damage the flora and fauna, but also spreads to residential areas,” said Balaji R., a resident of Sembakkam.
Frequent fires have not only raised the concerns of the residents in the locality, but also the environmentalists, as it is this forest that serves as the green lungs of the area.
“The forest is out of the city bounds and helps us to keep away from extreme temperature. So many trees get burnt, when we are already fighting against deforestation. Animals get killed for no mistake of theirs. This should be looked into and the ones responsible should be punished,” said environmentalist Praveen Kumar.
Though police department and fire department personnel were reported every time a fire takes place, there has been no progress in the investigations against such incidents.
Police officials from Selaiyur police station said that there were no accusations against anyone, but if such cases are reported in future, the problem will be looked into.
