Birbhum's Green Wealth in Danger: Forest Fires Rage, Threatening Wildlife

• Forest fires are rampant in Birbhum at the onset of spring, destroying vast areas of green cover.
• Recent incidents include fires in Tasarkata (Siuri Range) and Metela jungle (Dubrajpur Range), impacting hectares of forest land.
• Most fires are man-made, often caused by carelessly discarded bidis, cigarettes, or matchsticks igniting dry leaves.
• Excessive monsoon rainfall led to more weeds, which are now dry, increasing fire risk and making control difficult.
• Forest Department uses 'mechanized air blowers' and emphasizes public awareness to protect Birbhum's forests.