Pune: Fire Ravages Urban Forest In Warje
Pune: Fire Ravages Urban Forest In Warje ( Representational Image )
A devastating series of fires has destroyed over one hectare of the acclaimed Warje Urban Forest in Pune, threatening the very existence of this vital green lung. The forest, also known as Smriti Van, was declared a role model for urban forestry by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in June 2020.
According to Pune forest department officials, the fires, which are believed to be man-made, have ravaged the area over the past 15 days, with the most recent incident on Monday damaging nearly half a hectare of the protected area. The forest department has filed a case and is investigating the cause of the fires, which are suspected to be acts of revenge by individuals who were pulled up for encroachment and trespassing.
Pune forest department, said while talking to media that, “Our team rushed to the spot and took efforts to douse the fire. The flames have affected a large area and burnt four-foot-high trees.” The department has also detained one person from Kothrud in connection with a recent fire incident.
The Warje Urban Forest, which boasts over 6,500 grown-up trees and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, is not only an ecological treasure but also a popular spot for morning and evening walks, attracting over 1,000 visitors daily.
To protect the area, the Pune forest department has constructed a six-inch-thick boundary wall under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds. However, the recurring fires have raised concerns about the effectiveness of these measures.
The destruction of this vital urban forest has significant implications for the environment and the community. As the country grapples with climate change and urbanization, the importance of preserving green spaces like Warje Urban Forest cannot be overstated.
