Nagpur: A major fire broke out at Ambazari Biodiversity Park, Amravati Road on Wednesday afternoon reducing grass and trees to ashes in 50 hectares area. The fire broke out at the back side of the RTM Nagpur University administrative building. It was noticed by some commuters. As soon as the officials of Fire and Emergency Services Department of Nagpur Municipal corporation (NMC) received the information regarding the blaze at 1.12 pm, three fire tenders rushed to the spot.
The fire started from the Northeast part of the park and spread across southwest part. Due to dry grassland and heavy winds, the fire spread rapidly. Three more fire tenders were pressed into service by NMC. Along with this one fire tender each from Wadi Municipal Council MIDC fire brigade also rushed to the spot for assistance. Deputy Conservator of Forest Prabhunath Shukla informed that plastic bags and other garbage were the reason behind this massive fire that destroyed vegetation in the Ambazari Biodiversity Park. Different species of snake, birds, porcupine, jackal, deer etc. are dwelling inside the park. There is no loss of animal life registered in this incident, said Prabhunath Shukla. The firemen had to battle hard to get control over the fire.
Due to the uneven terrain and being a jungle full of grass and trees the movement of fire vehicles was restricted. It took six and half hours to get control over the fire, informed R. D. Uchake, Chief Fire Officer, Fire and Emergency Services Department, NMC. Ambazari Biodiversity Park has grassland with bushes, shrubs and trees. Forest department has developed the area to enjoy company of nature and viewing different birds in the surrounding. At present the park is open through MIDC Hingna main gate for nature lovers.
The park is famous for migratory birds during winters and bird lovers visit the spot regularly for photography and bird watching. The 750 hectares biodiversity park is maintained by Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC). This two-year-old park is providing a chance for nature trail to people of Nagpur in the city limits. The park has the facility of bicycle ride, walking track, and e-rickshaw safari for nature lovers. Last year in the month of May, a huge tract of vegetation in the park was gutted in a fire incident. Many birds in park also lost lives in that fire. The fire was fought under the command and control of station officer Tushar Barate, Bhagwan Wagh and station officer Rajendra Dube.
