Valuable medicinal plants on brink of extinction as wildfires ravage Odisha forests

In the lush forests of Odisha, a silent tragedy unfolds as devastating wildfires ravage the jungles across the state, leaving behind a trail of destruction. These fires, fueled by rising temperatures and dry conditions, have become more frequent and intense, threatening the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

Beyond the loss of wildlife and trees, there is another tragedy—valuable medicinal plants, some of which have been used for centuries in traditional healing practices, are now on the brink of extinction.

Brink of Extinction:

Several medicinal plants found in the forests of Odisha have long been harvested for their therapeutic properties. These plants, used to treat everything from digestive issues to mental health disorders, are disappearing as the fires rage unchecked. With each fire season, entire populations of these plants are wiped out, threatening not just the biodiversity of the region, but also the livelihoods of local communities who depend on them.

As the flames continue to consume the land, the loss of these irreplaceable plants becomes a dire warning. Without urgent intervention to protect the forests and the species they harbour, centuries-old remedies may vanish forever, leaving future generations without the healing gifts of nature.

Latest Fire Incident:

A fierce forest fire is currently ravaging the hills in Aska, Ganjam district, threatening unique medicinal and indigenous vegetation. The inferno has particularly wreaked havoc across two critical hill zones.

Flames have also erupted at the base of Sulia Hill in the Dharakote beat, as well as near Malijhar within the Sadangipalli beat. Reports indicate that the fire is devouring extensive tracts of valuable and medicinal plant life.

The blaze has climbed from the foot of the hills to their peaks. Forest department officials have been at work throughout the night, striving to contain the fire, with some success in certain areas. However, the challenging topography has made it difficult for firefighters to access specific locations to extinguish the flames.

Conservation Concerns:

The ongoing fire raises concerns about the impact on Odisha's precious biodiversity, particularly the valuable medicinal and native flora unique to this region.