Satkosia fire engulfs more areas

ANGUL: There seems to be no respite from the alarming forest fire in Satkosia wildlife sanctuary. Unprecedented in recent times, the fire has threatened elephants and tigers. Despite claims of the Forest Department officials of combating the fire, it is reportedly fast spreading to newer areas of the sanctuary. Sources said the fire that broke out last week, has taken most parts of the sanctuary into its clutches in the absence of any tangible measures. Contacted, the Regional Chief Conservator of Forests, Angul circle, Pandab Behera said he had no idea about fire in Satkosia. It is feared that wild animals in the forest would have died in the fire. Besides, valuable and rare plants worth lakhs of rupees might have been damaged as no step could be taken immediately to douse the fire. This apart, the thick smoke emanating from the forest has hit life in around 50 small adjoining villages.“The fire that broke out some days back is spreading and the heavy smoke had engulfed all the nearby villages. There is a problem of respiration and vision due to the smoke,” said Biren Naik, a local.Nab Kishore Bisoi, president of Satkosia Praja Samiti, said the fire of this intensity is unforeseen.