The age-old methods of dousing the fire by beating it with blankets of twigs, using soil and water, and setting the forest ablaze from another side, are still being practised in the state and most Indian forests. This is not because of the lack of facilities, but due to uneven terrain.

According to retired forest official SG Neginhal, during the Raj era, fire lines around blocks measuring 1 sq mile were made during December to reduce manmade forest fires occurring during summer and dry seasons. This helped to reduce the extent of fire. The same method is being practised even now. The watcher keeps an eye on the forest from the tower and informs his higher-ups using walkie-talkie sets about the fire for assistance.

"The practice of putting out fire with a blanket of twigs made from the leaves of Oleosa tree exists even today in Karnataka. In Australia and countries of Africa and Europe, where terrains are straight with tall pine trees and no thick vegetation, helicopters and fire extinguishers are used to put out fire. This cannot be practised in the forests in the state as the terrain is hilly and flora and fauna, including carnivores, herbivores and insects, will be affected to a large extent," Neginhal said.

According to principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) Indu B Srivatsav, the department has never used helicopters to spray fire extinguishers in Karnataka, as it is expensive and will affect the flora and fauna to a large extent. With the low allocation of funds by the state and Central government, this is not possible, he said.

Bosky Khanna/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication