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 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. In order to receive the alerts, one must get registered in the forest department’s website. This will help us to alert them in an efficient manner and ensure their safety.”He added: “The SMS will contain the pinpoint location where the fire has broken out. Lack of resources, they claim, also affect fire-monitoring and dousing operations..