Unpaid fire watchers make vigil damp squib

Nischith N | NT

How motivated a worker will continue to be when something as basic as the salary is not paid is anyone’s guess. And, when the job of the worker is spotting a forest fire early and either dousing it or sounding an alert because of which the damage is minimised, the risk involved becomes that bigger. A number of such forest fire watchers who are hired on a daily-wage basis have complained that they have not been paid for five-six months. Nischith N notes the problem is deeper, as funds to be released by the Centre for the purpose have taken a long time in coming.

Due to the rising temperature owing to the present weather, the risk of fire in forests is increasing. One spark can quickly destroy several hectares of forest cover. In recent days, the State Forest Service cautioned the locals against venturing into forests during the hot weather, because the reckless behaviour of people is one of the main causes of fire in the highly vulnerable locale. And, such fires result in huge losses to the exchequer. A recent report revealed that 2,262 incidents of fire were recorded in the last two months.

According to reports, it is claimed that workers who patrol forests are finding it difficult to earn two square meals. Forest guards and fire watching by patrolling inside thick forests play a critical role in protecting tigers from poachers and also monitoring fire mishaps in Karnataka. However, a majority of them, who are employed on a daily-wage basis in crucial tiger reserves, have not been paid their salaries since the last four months. This is the main reason for fire accidents and environmentalists fear this could adversely affect conservation efforts well into the future.

“Daily-wage workers employed in wildlife sanctuaries such as MM Hills, Bhimgad, Pushpagiri, Talacauvery, Brahmagiri and Nagarahole have reportedly not been paid salaries for the last few months. With salaries paid to them once in five or six months, they find it extremely difficult to make ends meet, with a few even looking at alternative forms of livelihood,” a senior forest official told News Trail.

From the beginning of January till February, a total of 3,121 fire alerts have been received by the Forest department, while 2,262 fire incidents were reported across Karnataka. The data also shows that around 1,300 forest fire points have been sent to the state government by the department.

Every summer, all tiger reserves and other forest ranges hire 500-plus fire watchers to tackle forest fires in each of the protected areas, depending on the area, its sensitivity and beat size. Mostly youngsters from different tribal villages are selected and handpicked for the job. They are provided accommodation at anti-poaching camps, so that they can keep a close vigil to check any outbreak of fires.

Experts said the forest department carries out fireline exercise, which refers to cleaning up of around 30 metres of area around potential fire zones by clearing shrubs, bushes and deadwood.