Odisha forest department gears up to tackle forest fires ahead of summer

As temperature rises and summer approaches, forest fire concerns have heightened within the Forest Department in Odisha, especially the Koraput region, known for its rich and dense forests, which faces annual threats from fires often ignited either deliberately or for agricultural purposes.

To address this persistent challenge, the Forest Department has launched a pioneering strategy comprising high bamboo watchtowers strategically placed in forested areas. These towers are furnished with firefighting gear, allowing forest guards to detect smoke over long distances and act promptly to contain any emerging fires.

Innovative Firefighting Technique

Currently, 60 towers have been constructed across six ranges, including Narayanpatna, Bandhugaon, Lamtaput, Laxmipur, and Semiliguda. Teams stationed at these towers consist of forest guards alongside community volunteers, reinforcing local involvement in the firefighting efforts. 

This approach, as highlighted by the Divisional Forest Officer of Koraput, facilitates the protection of up to 500 hectares of forest under the watch of a single guard.

Community Engagement and Awareness:

Critical to the success of this strategy is community engagement. The department is spearheading awareness campaigns using street plays to educate villagers about the dangers of forest fires and measures to prevent them. Continuous meetings with local officials and staff ensure that readiness and collaboration are in place.

Locals are also being prompted to assist in identifying and reporting those responsible for intentional arson, with strict warnings issued to deter such actions. The cooperative efforts between the department and communities are deemed essential to curtail the risk of devastating forest fires, said an official.

Here’s What Forest Officials Have To Say:

“At least 2-3 fire squad personnel have been deployed in every fire prevention tower made up of bamboo. They will stay here and keep a watch. They have been equipped with all the necessary equipment to douse the fire. They will rush to the spot and douse the flames if they see smoke coming from anywhere,” informed Forester Goutam Beneya.

Likewise, Koraput DFO KV Bhaskar Rao said, “The bamboo watch towers have been set up in the middle of forests so that it is easy for the squad to keep a watch on the fire or smoke emanating from any region. If the fire is huge, they can also inform other squad members.”