Rajganj, 17th March: Several reports of fire in the Baikunthapur forest have been surfacing for the past few days. Presumably, due to the fire, Siliguri has been covered with a blanket of smoke and the residents are complaining about breathing difficulties and burning eyes.
In view of this, the forest department has geared up to prevent, if not possible, to minimize forest fires. Today, under the leadership of Belakoba Range Officer Sanjay Dutta, an awareness campaign was carried out in the areas near the forest. Through miking, people were warned that if any individual enters the forest with a gaslighter and matches, legal action will be taken against them.
It is to be noted that on Monday, a massive fire at many spots in Baikunthapur forest near Gajoldoba was reported. Meanwhile, Siliguri and its surrounding area were covered with a blanket of smoke from Tuesday evening to Wednesday morning. Following this, another report of a fire in the forest of the Farabari Nepali Basti area surfaced on Wednesday. However, the actual cause of the smoke is not yet known.
In this regard, Range officer Sanjay Dutta stated that during the summer season the leaves lying in the forest dry up. Carelessly thrown cigarettes, beedis and lit matches in the forest causes most of the fires. However, he also mentioned the possibility of one deliberately setting the fire.
“During the festival of Holi, some people go hunting in the forest. In view of this, the people were cautioned today through miking on behalf of the Belakoba Range Office in Gaurikan, Mantadari, Batasibita and Shikarpur beat areas. Anyone entering the forest with gas lighters, matches and weapons has been warned of legal action,” the Range officer maintained.