Wild fire at Langol hill range

24th March 2022

During the last two consecutive days, forest fire occurred at Sangai Nanthabi, Lamdeng often referred to as Sangai second home and spread till Langol range despite the collective efforts of forest department officials and volunteers of WAHPS.

On Monday, at approximately about 6:00pm, we were alerted of a forest fire rising rapidly from both the eastern and western side of the hill range in Lamdeng. Volunteers of WAHPS and officials of forest department were able to bring the fire under control by 9:30pm.

Unfortunately, we were again alerted of a fire in Langol range on Tuesday at about 1:00pm. The second fire possibly rose from the cinders of the fire the previous day. High velocity winds coupled with the dry season pose a great threat to forest cover. In 2020, many incidents of forest fires were reported from Churachandpur district, Phayeng and Langol Hills.

It is our collective appeal to all concerned to practice restraint and alertness especially during the dry season as uncontrolled fire can cause irreparable damage. In the unfortunate event of a forest fire, it is best to remain calm and alert the nearest Forest Department along with local authorities or youth clubs.

“A concerted effort goes a long way in preventing any collateral damage as well as future mishaps,” said one of our volunteers. It is especially difficult for fire brigades to offer their assistance as these hill ranges are inaccessible.

“We are not trained fire-fighters but with some basic skill and knowledge, any small fire especially in its initial stage on the forest floor can be controlled by pounding the fire with tree branches,” said another volunteer.

It is easy to start a fire but difficult to put one out. Locals, campers, hikers and picnickers need to be sensitized regarding forest fires as they often come face to face with one.

One way to avoid man-made forest fire is to put out any form of camp-fires before leaving the campsite as the smallest cinder is enough to burn down an entire forest. Another way is to avoid burning any waste near foothills or leaving fire unattended. It is also important to keep children away from anything that might cause fire as it can be dangerous.

Forest is a part of our ecology, a part of our identity and therefore an inevitable part of our survival. It is imperative that we nurture and protect by putting away any of our individual selfish motives that might cause its destruction.

General Secretary
Yaima Laiphangbam
Wildlife And Habitat Protection Society