Chandrapur (Mohammad Suleman Baig) :
A workshop on “Fire Prevention and Conservation, and Human-Wildlife Conflict” was organized on February 28, 2025, under the guidance of the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Brahmapuri Forest Division, and the Assistant Conservator of Forests (Territorial, Wildlife, and Tendu Leaves), Brahmapuri Forest Division at Mendki sub-region, under North and South Brahmapuri Forest Range.
The workshop was presided over by Forest Range Officer Mr. S.B. Narad, with Mr. R.D. Shende as the chief guest. The key speakers included Mr. Yash Kayarkar from SWAB Nature Organization, Tadoba, Mr. Lalit Urkude from Earth Conservation Society, Brahmapuri, Forest Range Officer Mr. Vishal Salkar (Sindewahi), and Biologist Mr. Rakesh Ahuja from Brahmapuri Forest Division.
Additionally, several dignitaries, including Mr. Nalesh Devaji Bhoyar, Police Patil of Gangalwadi (President, Police Patil Association), and Deputy Sarpanch Mr. Suresh Lahuji Thikre (Bhuja), were present on the stage.
Objective and Key Messages of the Workshop
With the onset of summer, villagers frequently enter the forest to collect Mahua flowers. During this period, it is crucial that they avoid lighting fires and contribute to the protection of natural resources. The Forest Department has issued strict instructions that if anyone is found carrying fire-starting materials or if a fire is detected in the forest, action will be taken under the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
During the workshop, Forest Range Officer Mr. Vishal Salkar (Sindewahi) provided detailed information about various schemes of the Forest Department.
Meanwhile, Mr. Yash Kayarkar urged citizens to be vigilant while collecting Mahua flowers and refrain from starting fires in the forest. He emphasized that forest fires not only destroy trees and plants but also harm reptiles, small animals, and the entire ecosystem. Moreover, such fires can spread to nearby villages, causing significant damage. He also appealed to the public to cooperate with the Forest Department in extinguishing forest fires.
Mr. Lalit Urkude (Earth Conservation Society, Brahmapuri) highlighted that forests have been preserved by our ancestors for generations, and it is our duty to protect them.
Similarly, Biologist Mr. Rakesh Ahuja pointed out that elderly individuals (aged 50-55 and above) are at a higher risk of human-wildlife conflict as they tend to spend more time in the forest and may unknowingly become targets of wild animals. He advised family members to ensure that elderly individuals do not enter the forest alone.
In his presidential address, the Forest Range Officer of North Brahmapuri urged the community to support the Forest Department in fire prevention and wildlife conservation efforts.
Participation in the Workshop
The workshop saw the participation of presidents of all forest management committees of North and South Brahmapuri Forest Range, village heads (Sarpanch), Police Patils, representatives from SWAB organization including Jeevesh Sayam and Nitin Bhendale, as well as the president and members of CFR (Community Forest Rights Committee).
The event was conducted by Mr. M.H. Semaskar (Forest Guard, Headquarters, Brahmapuri).
The success of the workshop was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Mr. P.J. Shendurkar (Mendki), Mr. S.W. Shende (Forest Guard, Mendki), Mr. S.D. Balde (Forest Guard, Brahmapuri), along with all forest officials and forest laborers.
