The Raikera Range of the Barnawapara Project Division, under the Chhattisgarh State Forest Development Corporation, organized a forest fire safety and awareness program in the village of Sukulbai. The program was held in the government school campus and in the village, and students, villagers, and public representatives participated enthusiastically.
During the program, attendees were informed in simple terms about the causes of forest fires, their damage, and preventive measures. In particular, the adverse effects of the tradition of lighting fires while collecting mahua were highlighted, and villagers were urged to abandon this practice.
Corporation officials explained that the fire season typically lasts from February to June. During this period, the high temperatures and the increased amount of dry leaves in the forest make fires more likely.
- Major damages caused by forest fires
Destruction of valuable forest resources, plants, and trees. Damage to wildlife habitat and their deaths, loss of soil fertility, environmental pollution, and increased temperatures, and adverse impacts on villagers’ livelihoods. Villagers were also informed that deliberately setting forest fires is a punishable offense. Under Sections 26 and 33 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, setting fire to a forest area or damaging forests is a crime punishable by fine and imprisonment.
- Tips for fire prevention
In this awareness program, people were given suggestions to prevent fire, such as not throwing bidis, cigarettes or burning objects in the forest. Do not use fire while collecting Mahua or Tendu leaves. Inform the department about removing dry leaves. Also, immediately inform the forest department about any suspicious activity. Cooperate in fire line construction and cleaning.
At the end of the program, public representatives and corporation employees present administered the oath of forest conservation to all the villagers. They appealed that forests are our common heritage. If the villagers and the corporation together provide timely information, spread awareness and remain alert during the fire season, then incidents of forest fire can be prevented to a great extent.