TV
The state of Odisha has witnessed massive destruction of forest cover due to rampant wildfires. In just the last three months, nearly 3,000 hectares of forest have been destroyed by fire, while over the past four years, a staggering 53,820 hectares of forest cover has been completely charred.
The alarming data was presented in the Odisha Assembly by Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia on Tuesday, highlighting the grave environmental crisis faced by the region.
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Year-Wise Breakdown of Forest Fire Damage
The Minister provided a detailed report on the extent of forest fires over the past few years:
In 2021, a devastating 28,569 hectares of forest cover was lost to wildfires.
In 2022, the damage was reduced to 8,438 hectares, but the problem persisted.
In 2023, the burnt area again surged to 9,711 hectares, indicating an upward trend in forest fires.
These statistics were disclosed in response to a question raised by BJD MLA Ramesh Behera during the Assembly session.
Urgency for Forest Protection Measures
With over 54,000 hectares of forest cover lost in just four years, environmentalists and opposition leaders have raised concerns about the lack of effective fire prevention strategies. Experts suggest that rising temperatures, human encroachment, and illegal activities could be contributing factors to the increase in forest fires.
Government’s Response and Future Plans
Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and stated that the government is working on enhanced fire prevention measures, including:
Deployment of advanced surveillance systems to detect and control fires early
Strengthening fire management teams in forested areas
Increased patrolling and community engagement to prevent illegal activities leading to wildfires
