Pune: Forest Department Registers Case Against Individual For Undri Forest Fire
Pune: Forest Department Registers Case Against Individual For Undri Forest Fire
Pune: The forest department has registered a case against an individual for allegedly igniting a forest fire in Undri, which citizens claim devastated nearly 10 acres of land. The incident occurred on Sunday evening around 5:30 PM when residents witnessed three individuals, including two teenagers and one adult, setting dry grass ablaze in the forest area.
Residents immediately alerted forest officials and captured videos and photos as evidence. The culprits were apprehended by locals and handed over to the authorities. While forest officials estimate that one acre of land was affected, residents believe the fire spread across nearly 10 acres, damaging plant species. Fortunately, no wildlife casualties have been reported.
According to Bhupesh Sharma, a resident of Undri, the community united to extinguish the fire alongside forest officials. “The fire spread rapidly due to the abundance of dry grass. This is not the first such incident in Undri; similar forest fires have been reported frequently in recent months,” Sharma stated.
Sharma suggested that the fire might have been an act of revenge, as the perpetrators were reportedly upset over plantation activities restricting access to what was once their playground.
An offence has been registered under the Indian Forest Act, 1927. Further investigation into the case is underway, said Suresh Varak, Range Forest Officer to Pune Pulse. They have also been summoned by the Court, he added.
This incident highlights the need for vigilance and stricter measures to prevent such acts, which pose a significant threat to the environment and community safety.
