CORBETT NATIONAL PARK, MAY 7:All you see at the Corbett National Tiger Reserve these days is smog and haze. Considered a model for forest conservation in the country, the reserve has been fighting a spate of forest fires over the past two weeks. Though rains on Monday put out the fires, another major fire broke out in the Kalaghad range on Wednesday.

The fires are being reported from all ranges of the reserve except some parts of Dhikala range, especially areas close to villages in outskirts of Dhikala, Kalaghad, Jhirna and Bijrani ranges. Officials said the low moisture level combined with the high temperatures had created ideal conditions for the fires. Around 35 major and minor fires have been reported in the reserve since April 26, turning about 61 hectares of forests into ashes.

Field director Rajeev Bhartri said after the initial panic, fire-watchers and other forest staff made fire lines to stop the flames from spreading into the core areas. “Most fires are being reported from the outer areas,” he said, adding that awareness programmes were beign held for the villagers and patrolling had been increased.

“Fires destroy the foliage used by tigers to hide from human beings. The poachers may take advantage of this,” said Rohtash who lives near the reserve. Park employee Dharampal Singh Negi said: “I have been in these jungles from the past two decades, but this is the biggest series of fires I have seen. Thankfully, all animals are safe and are gradually returning to their original habitats”.

Bijrani forest ranger D S Rawat said some of the fires can been attributed to the trourists who throw lighted cigarettes on the ground. Forest activist Mike Pandey warned that in future the park authorities will have to be more cautious, increase patrolling and ask people not to bring flammables inside the reserve.

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