Oppn wants new law to curb forest fires

Replying to a starred question raised by Phadnavis, who had claimed that 80 to 90 per cent of forest in Tadoba region of Vidarbha had been destroyed in fires during 1998-99, Minister for Forest and Environment Surupsingh Naik said that only ten per cent of the forest area had been destroyed in 1998-99 and that it was not a serious destruction.

The minister said that to prevent fires and conserve the forests, the forest department, the forest development corporation and the tiger project officials were always on the vigil, using wireless sets and watch-towers. He however said that there had been no prosecution as the culprits had never been apprehended.

The Opposition members then demanded a high-level inquiry into the issue which was turned down by the minister. The members then asked the government to enact new laws to prevent forest fires and alleged that there was a nexus between forest officials and contractors for tendu leaves of the region.