Fire breaks out in Manipalla hill; burns trees, plants and bushes
Fire covers 15 acres of forest, villagers are fighting to douse it
Mangaluru, Jan 17: Fire broke out in Manipalla hills in Kuppepadavu gram panchayat limits near Bajpe on Thursday and it has spread to more than 15 acres of forest area. The villagers have been fighting it out to douse the fire.
“After 5 pm, heavy smoke emanated from the hill and later, it has converted into fire. Acacia, Menjamu and other species of shrubs and trees were gutted in the fire. Apart from the trees and plants, animals like snakes, rabbits, birds and other wild animals also died in the forest fire”, social worker Sulaiman told Varthabharati.
Villagers succeeded in dousing the fire on either side of the road near the hill. But they could not do anything to extinguish the fire atop the hill. However, the fire brigade has been trying to douse the fire.
Though the fire extinguishing work was taken up on war-footing, it has been spreading to other places. Manipalla village has 40-45 houses and a petrol station was also near to the hill, he said.
More than 150 youth of the village have been trying to douse the fire by bringing water. So far, no elected representatives visited the spot and take measures to douse the fire, he said.
“Manipalla hill has been getting fire for the last few years. But nobody knows who is behind this incident. Concerned authorities were already informed about it. Rescue operation is going on and villagers are asked to take care about the fire”
-DP Hammabba, Kuppepadavu Gram Panchayat Vice President
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Youth drowns in Durga falls in Karkala
Udupi (Karnataka), Nov 28: A 19-year-old boy drowned on Thursday while bathing in Durga falls near Karkala, police said.
According to police, a group of seven college students arrived at the falls and were taking bath.
In the afternoon, Joyal Dias slipped and fell into the deep gorge while trying to get into the water to take bath.
When Karkala rural police reached the location, they launched a search. After much effort, they were able to locate and retrieve the body.
Further investigation is on, police said.
