Pre-monsoon rains in parts of south Karnataka has provided temporary reprieve from the threat of forest fires to critical wildlife habitats like Bandipur and Nagarahole, but the hazard is far from over in the adjoining landscape, including BRT Tiger Reserve, MM Hills and Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.
While the recent showers have offered a glimmer of hope that the 2026 fire season may not see a repeat of earlier devastations, especially in Bandipur, the authorities are on a high alert elsewhere where the rainfall has been inadequate.