TMC candidate halts campaign to help control forest fire
The Statesman | 6 April 2026
In a notable display of environmental responsibility, Trinamul Congress (TMC) candidate for the Ausgram constituency in East Burdwan, Shyamaprasanna Lohar, halted his election campaign to help extinguish a forest fire in the Ausgram jungles today.
Lohar was campaigning with his team when they noticed a section of nearby forest engulfed in flames while passing through the area. Without delay, he immediately stopped the campaign and began efforts to control the blaze along with his party workers.
Recognising the potential scale of the damage, the candidate also promptly informed the forest department to ensure further assistance.
Speaking about the incident, Lohar said: “If the fire had not been controlled, it could have caused severe harm to wildlife in the forest, including jackals, hyenas, wolves and peacocks.” He emphasised that forests are vital sources of oxygen and warned that any damage to them would ultimately endanger human life.