Bettiah: As summer setting in, the West Champaran administration has intensified efforts to protect the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) from forest fires and water scarcity by combining satellite-based monitoring with strengthened ground-level measures to safeguard its wildlife and fragile ecosystem.According to forest officials, the department has partnered with the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, to deploy a satellite-based monitoring system that provides real-time alerts on forest fires. The system instantly transmits GPS coordinates of fire incidents to officials’ mobile phones, enabling swift action and minimising damage.VTR field director Gaurav Ojha said the dry season increases the risk of forest fires, posing a serious threat to endangered species and the ecosystem. “Controlled burning, intensified patrolling, and preparation of fire lines are being carried out proactively. In addition, 96 dedicated fire watchers have been deployed in drought-prone and sensitive zones of the reserve for continuous surveillance and early detection,” he said.To further strengthen prevention efforts, around 308 km of fire lines have been cleared and restored to restrict the spread of flames between forest compartments. Forest staff are also removing dry leaves and other combustible materials from pathways to reduce fire hazards.Addressing the seasonal water crisis, Ojha said the department has launched large-scale water management measures, with 154 water holes being recharged to ensure adequate drinking water for tigers and other wildlife during peak summer.The administration is also promoting community participation by engaging forest fringe villages and conducting awareness campaigns. “Residents are being encouraged to promptly report any fire incidents. Monitoring has been intensified across all five forest divisions of the reserve, with high alert maintained until the onset of the monsoon in June,” Ojha added.
