ODRAF teams engaged to douse forest fires in Odisha: PCCF

The forest department has tasked the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) with the job of tackling forest fires that have been raging in various parts of Odisha. 

Initially, the ODRAF teams were engaged in seven forest divisions where forest fires have become more intense. 

The ODRAF teams were pressed into service in forest divisions such as Baliguda and Phulbani in Kandhamal, Bonai in Sundargarh, Paralakhemundi in Gajapati, north and south divisions in Kalahandi and Similipal. 

“The ODRAF teams have left for the ground and will reach their places by tomorrow. They will contain fires in Baliguda and Phulbani in Kandhamal, Bonai in Sundargarh, Paralakhemundi in Gajapati, north and south divisions in Kalahandi and Similipal,” informed Debidutta Biswal, the principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) on Monday.

As per reports, forest fires in many places are going out of control and the Forest Department has been undertaking awareness programmes for people on how to prevent and check the fires. 

The PCCF added that the public awareness that is being created is becoming effective as in the current season forest fires have been reported from only 12,000 points to date as compared to 32,500 points during the corresponding period last year.