Thursday, March 13, 2008

Forester dies of cardiac arrest while dousing blaze in Gir east

Express India
Ahmedabad Newsline, India

SIBTE HUSAIN BUKHARI
Posted online: Thursday , March 13, 2008 at 12:01:18
Updated: Thursday , March 13, 2008 at 12:22:42

Junagadh, March 12 In a bizarre incident, a forest department employee died following a massive cardiac arrest while on a fire fighting mission in the Gir forest area. He was among the more than 100 forest employees who were trying to control a blaze in the Thorala and Kantala area in Tulshishyam range of the Gir east forest division.
Forest beat guards on duty in the area first noticed the fire, after which senior forest officials, including Conservator of Forests (wildlife) Bharat Pathak, Deputy Conservator of Forests (Gir east) J S Solanki rushed to the spot.

A forest official said the fire was brought under control after more than 12 hours. He said the fire caused extensive damage to nearly 85 hectares of forestland, but no damage to livestock was reported from anywhere.

Deputy conservator of forests (Gir east), J S Solanki said, "The forest fire seems to be the handiwork of some hooligans. We have already registered an FIR against unknown persons. An inquiry has also been initiated in the issue."

Solanki also ruled out the possibility of any injuries sustained by the animals, due to the fire. He said, "Wild animals are safe. The fire did not affect the big trees. The fire destroyed grass cover in 80 to 85 hectares," he said.

He added, "DK Vasoya, who suffered died due to the heart attack was immediately rushed to a government hospital in Khambha, where the doctor on duty declared him brought dead. All possible help and compensation will be given to the next of the kin of the deceased employee," Solanki added.

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