Karnataka govt orders CID probe into Bandipur forest fires

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday ordered a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe into the Bandipur and Kappatagudda forest fires. 

Warning officials against any act of negligence, he asked them to come out with a plan to avoid such incidents and take measures to tackle it.

Thousands of acres of forests in the Bandipur tiger reserve were gutted in the recent fires during which a forest guard was killed. 

Fire was also reported in the foothills of Kappatagudda in Gadag district recently. 

Siddaramaiah today held a meeting with Forest Minister Ramanath Rai and department officials to review and discuss the forest fires and drinking water arrangements for wild life during summer. 

“Formulate a plan to restrict such incidents of forest fire and steps that should be taken to control if it occurs again,” Siddaramaiah was quoted as saying by official sources. 

Asking officials to maintain utmost vigilance till it rains, he assured them government’s help in setting up fire stations in the nearby areas, which may prove helpful in case of a fire. 

He also advocated for adequate training to forest personnel in dealing with such situations. 

Noting that there is water shortage at some national parks, Siddaramaiah said bore wells should be dug to fill the water bodies in the area.