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Urban Forest Blaze: "Drunk Entry" Suspected
27 Oct
Summary
- Over 60 trees were destroyed in a fire at an urban forest.
- Suspected drunk entry and littering are major concerns.
- A dry spell exacerbated the wildfire risk and damage.
A fire recently swept through Anandvan 2 urban forest in Mohammedwadi, resulting in the destruction of over 60 young neem and banyan trees. These trees were planted by local volunteers three years prior.
The incident has ignited concerns among environmentalists regarding unauthorized access, public intoxication, and littering within the protected green zone. A prolonged dry spell has significantly elevated the risk of wildfires, complicating efforts to maintain the urban forest.
Volunteers who rushed to the scene successfully doused the flames within 15 minutes using the forest's irrigation system. However, evidence of drinking and drug consumption, including discarded bottles and plastic bags, was found, pointing to the cause of the fire.
Environmentalists are now emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced preventive maintenance and stricter security measures. The dry vegetation and fallen leaves present a substantial fire hazard, underscoring the necessity of safeguarding urban green spaces.
