Mysuru: Former forest minister C H Vijayashankar said that timber mafia from neighbouring Kerala is behind the forest fire which destroyed hundreds of acres in the Bandipura Tiger Reserve and neighbouring forest areas and demanded immediate arrest of the culprits.Speaking at a press meet here on Sunday, Vijayashankar said that while towns and cities are reeling under severe drought, fire is destroying forest lands in the state. Out of the 175 taluks, over 80% are hit by drought whereas forest fire has been causing destruction on a major scale."The timber mafia from Kerala has created havoc in Karnataka's forest areas and the state government has failed to take measures to stop their illegal activities. The government should strengthen men and machines at the forest check posts to prevent illegal activities, else the remaining forest area will be gutted in a few years," he said.Vijayashankar also said that apart from timber transporters, the forest is used by the cattle mafia as well. Every day after 6pm when vehicles are restricted entering the forest, area timber and cattle are illegally transported. "Till date there is not a single arrest with regard to forest fires," he said.The high tension electricity lines which pass through the forest posing danger to wildlife. They should be removed, Vijayashankar said. Stating that there is a severe shortage of staff in the forest department leading to failure in preventing illegal activities and forest fires, Vijayashankar said that majority of ACF, RFO, ARFO, guards and watchers posts are vacant. There are 40 IFS officers who are working in departments not concerned with the forest. "These officers should be brought back to department and posted in various forest areas. Similarly, fire stations should be opened near forest areas to attend immediately when there is fire outbreak. A task force committee under the leadership of the deputy commissioner should be formed to hold meetings every week. The government should give special status to forest department and give promotions to staff based on their work and merit rather than just seniority and depute them at the national parks," he said.He also suggested that the government , using latest technology, should remove lantana shrubs which are the main cause behind the spread of forest fire. A high level team of officers including police should be formed to investigate into forest fires and catch the miscreants within a month. A special session should be held to discuss the measures to be taken to save forests from fire till the end of summer. Ex-servicemen should be appointed to guard the forests during night, he said. BJP Mysuru district president M Shivanna, city unit president BH Manjunath and secretary Rajesh were present.

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