Huge fire in Sariska tiger reserve, IAF choppers fight blaze

In Rajasthan, a massive fire broke out in the forests of Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar district, a forest official informed on Tuesday. According to reports, the fire which erupted on Monday evening has now spread over 10 sqkm and the cause of the blaze is yet to be ascertained. Forest officials have also said that around 150-200 people, including the forest staff, are engaged in controlling the fire. Two helicopters of the Indian Air Force (IAF) have also been called in to douse the blaze. The two IAF choppers are fetching water from Siliserh Lake, which is around 43 kms from the forest and dropping over the fire.

The fire threatens the territory of a tigress, codenamed ST-17 for tracking by scientists, which is at the area with her two cubs, officials have said. The big cats may suffocate, experts have said. There are over 20 tigers in the Sariska reserve. Tiger movement in the area has been affected by the fire and the villagers residing in the periphery of the fire-affected area have been asked to move to safety. "We were informed about the fire 2 days ago. We took the help of locals to control the fire. 9 sq. km of area is up in the flames as of now. We are trying to restrict the fire so that it does not engulf the valley. Damage will be ascertained once fire is doused," Alwar DFO Sudarshan Sharma told reporters