Ongoing Fire in Udaipur’s Sajjangarh Sanctuary Requires Over 60 Firefighters
A wildfire in Udaipur’s Sajjangarh Sanctuary has raged for four days, requiring over 60 firefighters to contain it. With initial reports of no casualties, efforts focused on evacuating nearby areas and restricting tourist access. Investigations into the fire’s cause, likely linked to electrical failures, are ongoing. Authorities assure safety for local wildlife and residents as firefighting efforts persist.
In Udaipur’s Sajjangarh Sanctuary, over 60 firefighters are actively combating a wildfire that has been ongoing since March 4. Initially confined to the Bhairu Bagh area, the fire is now encroaching on the hills of the Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace. Thankfully, no casualties had been reported by Friday afternoon, and efforts are focused on controlling the spread of flames.
Emergency responses included restricting tourist access to the Monsoon Palace and a neighboring park for two days, along with the evacuation of nearby residential areas. Senior officials, including the local collector, superintendent of police, and district forest officer, are supervising the firefighting efforts and rescue operations.
Chief Fire Officer Babulal Choudhary coordinated the mobilization of resources from five fire stations. Fire trucks were refilled using water from the nearest hydrant as well as local marriage gardens. Teams from multiple stations, including Sundervas and Paras Tiraha, are engaged in suppressing the blaze that has persisted for four days.
Experts speculate that the fire could have originated from a short circuit in a transformer at the Gorela tourist area. The dry climate and surrounding vegetation further facilitated the fire’s rapid spread. Authorities have indicated that the precise cause will be determined after the flames are extinguished.
District Collector Namit Mehta emphasized the potential risks of traditional rural practices contributing to wildfires and highlighted the necessity of educating locals about fire prevention. The situation is reportedly under control with continuous firefighting efforts in process. He reassured that nearby residential areas and the Biological Park are now safe.
Additionally, wildlife monitoring has been implemented within the sanctuary, with staff stationed around the park. The sanctuary is home to various species, including leopards and foxes, and teams have been deployed to ensure their safety amid the firefighting operations. Fire officials confirmed that while the flames did approach the Biological Park, the situation is now being contained effectively.
The wildfire in Udaipur’s Sajjangarh Sanctuary has been met with a robust firefighting response, involving over 60 personnel and multiple fire stations. While the cause is still under investigation, preliminary assessments point to electrical issues exacerbated by dry conditions. As efforts continue, local authorities are taking steps to safeguard both residents and wildlife. The situation appears to be under control, with the fire not posing an immediate threat to surrounding areas anymore.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
