Summary:
The move of the forest department is commendable, since everyone carries a mobile phone nowadays.”According to report of the state forest department, forest fire incidents recorded a 1,333% increase in the last eight years (2011-18) in the state.The data pointed out that in 2011, 150 incidents of forest fires were reported and 213 hectares gutted. In order to receive the alerts, one must get registered in the forest department website. In 2018, such incidents jumped to 2,150 where 4,480 hectares were razed.According to forest officials, the main reason behind rising incidents of forest fire include changing weather patterns as well as rapid spread of pine needles (which are combustible) in forest areas. Fire season in the state starts on February 15 and lasts till June 15.Earlier, the SMS alert system was available only to forest officials, but now the facility has been extended to the local community as well. This will help us to alert the public in a more efficient manner and ensure their safety.”He added: “The SMS will contain the pinpoint location where the fire has broken out..