Massive Fire Inside Sariska Tiger Reserve : Rajasthan
A massive fire broke out inside the Sariska Tiger Reserve (Rajasthan). The fire spread and destroyed around 10 sq km of forests despite timely satellite warnings and the availability of a real-time mobile application-based fire response system.
- The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) warned in its annual Frontiers report released in February 2022 that wildfires a natural phenomenon have become more dangerous and now affect larger areas.
- A total of 381 forest fires have been reported in India by 30th March, 2022, according to the Forest Survey of India. Madhya Pradesh has recorded the highest number of fires at 133.
- The fire began because of dry grass, leaves and plants because of reasons unknown to the park authorities.
- Sariska Tiger Reserve is located in Aravali hills and forms a part of the Alwar District of Rajasthan.
- Sariska was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and was declared the tiger reserve later in 1978, making it a part of India’s Project Tiger.
- The Reserve houses ruined temples, forts, pavilions and a palace.
- Kankarwadi fort is located in the centre of the Reserve and it is said that Mughal emperor Aurangzeb had imprisoned his brother Dara Shikoh at this fort in struggle for succession to the throne.
- The Reserve also houses a famous temple of lord Hanuman at Pandupole related to Pandavas.
- The Reserve is immensely rich in flora and fauna, and is famous for Royal Bengal Tiger.
- The park has populations of leopards, Nilgai, Sambar, chital etc.
