This marks the second major fire in the area within a week. Last week, a blaze in the bamboo forests caused significant damage, and last night, another fire reignited, spreading across hundreds more acres
Published Jan 25, 2025 | 8:50 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 25, 2025 | 8:50 PM
Massive wildfire ravages Charmadi Ghat, hundreds of acres of forest destroyed
A devastating wildfire has torn through the Charmadi Ghat in Mudigere taluk, Chikkamagaluru district, ravaging hundreds of acres of forest.
The region, known for its steep hills and dense forests, has seen the destruction of vital Shola forests, which play a critical role in retaining water and maintaining streams throughout the year.
The blaze broke out near the Annappa Swamy Temple in Charmadi Ghat, rapidly consuming vast stretches of forestland. This is the second major fire in the area in just a week.
Last week, a fire in the bamboo-rich forests had already caused significant damage, and last night, 24 January, another fire reignited, spreading across hundreds of additional acres.
Firefighters and forest officials raced to the scene, but the blaze was difficult to contain due to the challenging terrain. While they managed to extinguish the flames along the roadside, they faced immense difficulty reaching the steeper, more inaccessible parts of the Ghat.
The steep slopes and rough terrain prevented them from fully containing the fire, leaving large swathes of the forest at risk.
The wildfire spread over a 10-kilometer stretch, creating panic among local residents. Many expressed frustration, alleging that forest officials arrived nearly two hours after the fire broke out, delaying the response.
When they arrived, the officials, alongside firefighters and locals, began efforts to battle the flames, but the steep and rugged landscape made the task daunting.
Charmadi Ghat, with its towering hills, deep valleys, and diverse ecosystem, is home to countless animals, birds, and rare plant species.
The fire in the higher altitudes of the region presented particular challenges for the firefighting teams, as fire trucks and personnel are unable to access these areas. The strong winds in the elevated regions further fueled the fire’s spread, making control efforts even more difficult.
Despite these obstacles, coordinated efforts between firefighters, forest officials, and local residents led to the successful containment of the fire by 10 a.m. this morning, 25 January.
However, the scale of destruction and the threat to wildlife in the region remains a matter of concern.
The damage to the forest, especially the rare Shola forests, is expected to have long-term environmental consequences, further endangering the biodiversity of the area.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Nolan Patrick Pinto)
