Fire in SHAR under control

By Our Staff Reporter

NELLORE, JULY 8. The fire which broke out in the forest area of the Sriharikota Atomic Range Project (SHAR) in Nellore on Friday was brought under control today, according to available official information.

However, a number of fire tenders were kept in the area and an alert would be maintained for the next 48 hours. Nearly 300 labourers were engaged in night patrolling. No damage or loss was reported. The officials acknowledged the cooperation extended by the Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu Governments in putting out the fire.

A high-level meeting attended by senior officials, including the director and controller, was held today to review the situation. It was felt that there should be a proper approach to some points of the forest area and the need for direct roads was also discussed.

The district administration has already stationed the Mr. K. Subramanyam Reddy, Revenue Development Officer, Gudur, at the centre for co-ordinating with the project authorities. There would be another review meeting on Monday. Twelve fire tenders - eight from the district, two from SHAR and two from Tamil Nadu - were stationed in the area.

Officials of the Fire Department, including the District Forest Officer (DFO), Guntur, were camping at the centre. The DFO, Sullurpet, Mr. P.S. Raghavaiah, said there was no report of animal deaths. In view of the flames and heat they might have moved to a distance, he added.

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