Patna : Forest fires have swept across the mountains of Bihar, with blazes reported in Jamui, Banka, and Lakhisarai districts. The worst of the fires has erupted on Mandar Mountain, a site of both religious and tourist significance in Bounsi, Banka. Despite efforts by local authorities and fire services, the situation remains largely uncontrolled, raising fears of extensive environmental and ecological damage.
Mandar Mountain Fire: A Battle Against Time
A raging fire broke out on the eastern slopes of Mandar Mountain late Sunday evening, sending plumes of smoke across the region. Eyewitnesses described seeing bright flames and thick smoke rising from the forest, prompting immediate concern. The Circle Officer in Barahat dispatched the fire brigade to the scene, but the intensity of the fire has made it difficult for firefighters to contain the spread.
Local residents reported that the flames were visible from a distance, creating a glow that illuminated the night sky. Initial reports suggest that the fire may have been deliberately set by anti-social elements, although no official confirmation has been made. The blaze erupted near the middle station of the ropeway constructed for tourists, adding to the danger and making it harder to access the area.
Lakhisarai and Jamui Also Affected
Similar scenes unfolded in Lakhisarai, where a fire broke out on the Abhaypur hill under the jurisdiction of Piribazar police station late Sunday evening. Within hours, the flames intensified, spreading rapidly and causing concern among locals. Residents expressed fear that the fire, occurring even before the peak of summer, could lead to widespread destruction of forest resources, much like the previous year when a similar blaze caused extensive damage to flora and fauna.
In Jamui district, another fire erupted in the Simultala area, spreading from Haldia Waterfall Mountain to Tilauna, Baghawa, and Lilavaran. Smoke continued to rise from the forest on Sunday, creating hazardous conditions for both wildlife and local communities. Conservationists have raised concerns that the fire poses a significant threat to the already vulnerable wildlife in the region.
Rising Temperatures and Uncontrolled Fires
With temperatures in Bihar soaring above 40°C, the state is grappling with extreme heat and a growing frequency of forest fires. Local authorities and forest department officials have intensified their efforts to control the situation, but the terrain and intensity of the fires pose a formidable challenge. Attempts to cut fire lines and clear dry vegetation have met with limited success so far.
