Despite intense forest fires in Similipal, the core and buffer areas remain unscathed, safeguarding the tigers. PCCF Sushant Nanda credits advanced AI technology and coordinated efforts by ODRAF and local squads for the effective management of fire incidents.
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.
PCCF Debadutta Biswal on Monday informed that the incidents of forest fire have reduced due to awareness among people and rainfall activities. Forest fire was reported in 27,000 points during the same period last year, he said.
Expressing joy, a forest department personnel Samai Soren said, "I am happy that it rained. Now there will be no more forest fire for next one month. We were not getting leaves and now we can expect to spend some time with our family members."
PCCF Odisha, Debidutta Biswal on Friday informed that rain has certainly eased the overall forest fire situation in the state.
Many seeds and seedlings are burnt to ashes and never sprout or regenerate. The smoke clouds the sky and is a major climate-changing factor since it is carbon emission. Even the new plantations done by the department are engulfed.
In view of the surge in forest fire incidents, Odisha Chief Secretary chaired a high-level meeting on Monday. The state government is taking stern action against those, who are entering the forests and involved in forest fire incidents, the Minister informed the House today.
Even though forest officials are trying to douse the fires, they have not been able to contain the blaze fully.
The use of so-called circular sprinklers, which irrigate a larger area and suppress the flames, has been effective, but these can only be set up in clearings.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday asked forest department officials to prepare an integrated plan for significant reduction in forest fire incidents.
Drones will be used to help forest guards facing problems in the jungle. Besides, they will be used to drop ration and medicines in the interior parts of the forest inaccessible by road.
Kandhamal (Odisha), Sheopur (Madhya Pradesh), Udham Singh Nagar (Uttarakhand), and East Godavari (Andhra Pradesh) are some of the forest fire hotspot districts that are also showing a swapping trend from flood to drought.
Forest fire is an annual phenomenon in the UNESCO biosphere reserve in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district that is home to rich biodiversity.
As per reports, some deer sneaked into Nihangandi village under Thakurmunda forest range after they were chased by street dogs.
The jungles near Balikiari, Burda, Daincha, Pandakimal and Landimal villages are up in flame these days.
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