Second fire in sanctuary triggers safety concerns

PATIALA: Safety of animals in the sanctuary in Bhadson is at stake with the second fire incident in a week reported on Wednesday evening. Just like what happened on May 12, some passersby informed the authorities and the department called for fire tenders from Mandi Gobindgarh.

The flames were brought under control in some hours, however, the damage to trees and the plantation spread on three to four acres. Officers said they suspect somebody to have thrown burning cigarettes inside. The sanctuary, spread on an area more than 17 acres between Bhadson to Raisal village, houses hundreds of monkeys and roses are cultivated. But, only some area has been fenced and just anyone can walk right in.

Villagers said they had seen a number of drug addicts and couples entering the sanctuary during the day, informed authorities, but no action followed.

Mukhtiar Singh said, "People can cause damage to the sanctuary at any time. There is not even a guard to man the area." Villagers said monkeys make way into their fields and damage crops.

When contacted, divisional forest officer of Patiala Ashwani Kumar said he was aware of the happening. "It was minor fire and I have directed officers to be more vigilant in the future," he said.