MUMBAI, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Fire has spread across Bandipur Tiger Reserve in India's Karnataka state destroying several acres of forest land along with flora and fauna, media reports said late Sunday night.
Strong winds and dry grass have propelled the fire to an area of over eight km within the reserve that has spread towards National Highway 67, which connects the hill station town Ooty to the palace town Mysuru.
According to reports, the fire initially started in Barekatte and Guddakare region of the reserve, five days back.
As a precautionary measure, the forest department has banned tourist movement into the area.
"We are closely monitoring the forest fire in Bandipur. The forest minister is overseeing the situation, while officials and fire service personnel are trying to contain the blaze. I have instructed officials to also take preventive measures," the report said quoting Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy.
The Bandipur Tiger Reserve covers an area of 87,400 hectares and along with the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and the Nagarahole National Park form one of India's ecologically diverse regions. It is home to vulnerable species like elephants, gaurs, tigers and Indian rock pythons, the report said.
