Over 60 firefighters are battling a four-day blaze in Udaipur’s Sajjangarh Sanctuary. Originating in the Bhairu Bagh area, the fire has spread toward the Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace. No casualties have been reported, and tourist access is restricted. Cause of the fire is suspected to be a short circuit, worsened by dry conditions, while evacuation measures were implemented to ensure public safety.
In Udaipur’s Sajjangarh Sanctuary, over 60 firefighters are engaged in combating a blaze that has persisted for four days. The fire originated in the Bhairu Bagh area and is now advancing towards the hills near the Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace. Officials have reported no casualties as of Friday afternoon, although access to the Monsoon Palace has been restricted for tourists since Thursday due to safety concerns.
Emergency management efforts are being coordinated by senior officials, such as the district collector and the superintendent of police, resulting in the evacuation of residential areas close to the sanctuary. Chief Fire Officer Babulal Choudhary mandated that firefighters from five different stations collaborate in the effort to control the fire. Water hydrants and nearby marriage gardens were utilized to replenish fire trucks effectively.
Experts suspect that a short circuit at the Gorela tourist spot may have ignited the fire, exacerbated by the dry weather and vegetation in the region. While the exact cause remains unverified, it is acknowledged that natural causes and certain rural practices significantly contribute to wildfire occurrences. Udaipur district collector Namit Mehta emphasized the importance of local awareness in fire prevention as the fire containment teams continue their exhaustive efforts.
Collector Mehta noted, “A possible cause of the fire could be a spark from an electrical line near the Gorela outpost, which might have ignited the dry grasses in the sanctuary.” Inspections of the fire’s origin will be conducted after it is completely controlled. The sanctuary is home to diverse wildlife, including leopards and foxes, and staff have been placed on 24-hour monitoring duty to protect the animals.
The ongoing firefighting efforts at Udaipur’s Sajjangarh Sanctuary reflect a significant commitment to controlling a persistent blaze, which has prompted safety measures and evacuations. While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, local authorities and experts stress the importance of preventive measures and community awareness to mitigate future incidents. The situation is reportedly under control, with continuous monitoring and resources allocated to safeguard both the wildlife and the nearby residential areas.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
