Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan on Sunday directed officials to take immediate steps to douse the fire that broke out in the Seshachalam forest near Tirupati, and to prevent it from spreading.
During a teleconference, he instructed the officials to ensure swift containment of the blaze and ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, calling for stringent action against those responsible. He sought a detailed report from Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) P. V. Chalapathi Rao.
Referring to suspicions that the fire may have been triggered by miscreants consuming ganja or alcohol, Mr. Kalyan directed officials to identify and arrest those involved and initiate action under forest laws. Officials informed him that personnel from fire services, police and the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) had brought the flames under control.
Mr. Kalyan also instructed the anti-red sanders squad to maintain strict vigil on suspicious activities during combing operations in the forest area. He called for special measures to prevent forest fires during the summer season, likely to continue till the end of June.
Emphasising prevention, he asked officials to organise awareness programmes in villages bordering neighbouring States and involve local communities in curbing such incidents. He also suggested that people be trained to respond promptly to help control forest fires.
