Forest fire grapples caves area

Aurangabad, March 12:

The incidents of forest fires in the mountains have increased for the past few days. On Friday, an unidentified miscreant set ablaze the trees near Cave no. 7 around Vijayind Aranya Buddha Vihara behind Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University (BAMU) area. Around 3000 trees in this area reduced to ashes.

Bhadant Abjayputra Mahathero immediately informed the fire incident to the fire brigade and the police. A fire tender and the Begumpura police rushed to the spot and managed to control the flames after strenuous efforts of around two hours.

According to the details, an unidentified miscreant set the dried grass ablaze at the Vihar area at around 3 pm on Friday. The fire spread around the area within few minutes and grapples about 3000 trees in this area into its clutches. On receiving the information, several people rushed towards the Vihara area and tried to extinguish the fire. The fire brigade gain control over the fire after making efforts for almost two hours.

Bhante Abhayputra Mahathero has established the Buddha Vihara near cave No. 7 around five years back. The volunteers had nurtured several trees in this area. Every year, a sapling plantation programme is organized here. Bhante Abhayputra Mahathero has alleged that some anti-social elements have deliberately set the trees ablaze.