Forest fire in the Western Ghats segment in Theni district of Tamil Nadu has claimed the lives of 11 trekkers.
An enquiry into the causes, the effectiveness of the response and the lapses in regulations (if any) is needed.
How did the tragedy unfold?
A team of 25 adventurers had ventured into the Western Ghats forests to trek the “Kurangani to Kolukkumalai” route.
Forest fire that ranged in the region seems to have caught them on the wrong foot and claimed the lives of the 11 people.
While there is no clarity if the rescue operations were prompt, it appears that the difficult terrain made it rescue operations difficult.
The tragedy has highlighted the lack of emphasis on safety for such events and both the organisers and the government is to blame.
Also, as February – June interval is prone to forest fires, questions are being raised on whether officials have lapsed in allowing the trek to proceed.
What are the technical issues involved?
The risk of fire is particularly important, given that 55% of forest cover in India is assessed by the ISRO as being vulnerable.
The National Remote Sensing Centre has been regularly issuing fire alerts to the forest department and this should’ve ideally alerted the concerned officials.
The State government’s inquiry into the Theni tragedy should reveal whether it was part of the alerts system, and whether they were actually issued.
Also, in future, the database on fires could be added to the online GIS information for instant mass dissemination of such events.
It is also important to estimate the cause of fire, for better future prospecting.
What is the way ahead?
Organisers need to be trained in fire escape manoeuvres, and carry the right equipment, including wireless communication sets.
Care must be taken to see that small children are not part of such groups.
Raising safety standards in tourism and creating safe experiences is the imperative, as more young Indians will continue to seek adventure.
The importance of raising the capabilities of district hospitals has also been underscored by the disaster.
