A massive fire broke out in the forest area of Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT) on Saturday morning, causing extensive damage to vegetation and raising concerns over recurring fire incidents at the institute.
The blaze started around 9 a.m. near the hostel area and spread rapidly due to strong winds. Within hours, the flames engulfed a large portion of the forested area, consuming dense bushes and trees, making it difficult for firefighters to contain the fire.
Fire tenders from Pul Bogda and Mata Mandir stations were rushed to the spot, with firefighters battling the flames for nearly five hours. More than 30 fire engines and water tankers, along with 25 firefighters, were deployed to bring the situation under control.
Firefighters Umesh Kumar Chaitanya, Jitendra Kumar, and Rizwan, among others, played a crucial role in the firefighting operation. By 2 p.m., the fire was successfully doused, preventing further damage.
The fire caused panic among students as thick smoke spread toward the hostel area. However, timely intervention by the fire brigade averted any major casualties or damage to infrastructure.
Despite no harm to buildings, thousands of plants and trees were destroyed, highlighting the severity of the incident. MANIT’s sprawling 650-acre campus has witnessed multiple fire outbreaks in recent times, raising concerns over forest fire management and campus safety.
