Rewa Forest Fire: Blaze Reignites in Govindgarh Jungles

DFO Suspects Human Negligence

A major fire broke out in the reserved forest areas of Govindgarh in Rewa district, damaging a significant patch of dry vegetation. The blaze, which started in the Chhuiya Valley along the Vindhya range, was initially brought under control but reignited within 24 hours, forcing forest department teams back into action.

Firefighting Efforts Intensified

According to officials, the fire spread rapidly due to dry leaves and strong winds. The department, along with the Govindgarh Nagar Parishad fire brigade and local volunteers, worked for several hours to contain the flames. “We managed to save the Shikargha hill area from major damage,” a field officer confirmed.

Difficult Terrain Slows Operations

The hilly and inaccessible terrain posed serious challenges for firefighting teams. Local social workers Piyush Tripathi and Rahul Sharma assisted the crews on the ground. “Reaching the core fire zones took time because there are no proper roads. But we did not stop,” Tripathi told this reporter.

Air Quality Affected by Smoke

Thick smoke from the burning forest spread to adjacent villages, raising concerns about temporary air quality deterioration. Officials, however, confirmed no immediate health complaints had been reported. The smoke subsided largely by late evening as containment efforts succeeded.

DFO Points to Human Role

District Forest Officer Lavkesh Nirapure said the fire’s return after full dousing points clearly toward human involvement. “We had completely extinguished it one day earlier. For it to start again in the same zone cannot be natural. We are investigating possible negligence or deliberate action,” he stated.

Local Residents Questioned

Forest guards have begun recording statements of people living near the forest fringe. While no formal arrests have been made, sources indicated that grazing activity and illegal entry for firewood collection are common in the area. “Someone may have thrown a bidi or lit dry grass carelessly,” a source added.

What Next: Continuous Monitoring

The department has deployed multiple teams to the vulnerable patches overnight. Officials said a detailed report on the extent of damage to flora will be ready in two days. “We are not taking any chances now. The area will remain under watch until the summer high-risk season ends,” DFO Nirapure said.