Maha govt to start helpline for forest fires

MUMBAI: Concerned over damage to property due to forest fires, Maharashtra Government will soon start a helpline to enable people inform authorities about forest fires.

Forest Minister Babanrao Pachpute said in the Legislative Council that the helpline will enable people staying near forest areas to tip off authorities about the forest fires.

To avoid the forest fire and find the causes of the fire the state government will use satellite services to observe forest in the state, Pachpute said.

The issue of forest fire in Aurangabad and Jalna districts was raised by Shiv Sena MLC Neelam Gorhe under rule 93. She alleged the government has failed to tackle the issue.

Pachpute said the fire was due to short circuit in the area and forest officers succeeded in saving most of the property, adding no animal was injured during the incident.