Central Team Arrives In Odisha; Fire Points Down To One In Similipal

Bhubaneswar: Two-member central team on Thursday left for Similipal National Park in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district to ascertain the causes of the forest fire and assist the state with technical support to tackle the blaze.

The two members – Inspector General of Forests, National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Amit Mallick and Regional Conservator of Forests (RCCF) of the Eastern Regional Office of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Bhubaneswar, Subrat Mahapatra – arrived at the Biju Patnaik International Airport this morning.

Head, Silviculture –ICFRE, RP Choudhury, who would have joined the team as a fire expert, is yet to reach the state.

Soon after their arrival, they were received by the forest officials of the Karanjia forest range.

As per the schedule, the central team will visit Podadiha and Thakurmunda forest beats where the fire has occurred.

Also Read: BJP Delegation Meets Javadekar Over Forest Fire In Odisha; Details Here

They will assess the extent of damage in the biosphere reserve and advice the government on containing the spread of fire to the other parts of the forest.

As directed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the team will stay in Odisha till forest fires are brought under control.

Meanwhile, former PCCF Sandeep Tripathy informed that fire points in the forests in Odisha had come down to 210 while one remained in Similipal.

Also Read: Central Panel Of Experts To Visit Odisha Tomorrow; Fire Points Down To 290 From 3258 In 2 Days

Moderate shower at Kharanjia division and the buffer zone of Similipal had come as a relief for forest officials, engaged in tackle the wildfire, on Wednesday.

Light rainfall was also reported in some parts of Udala and Kaptipada blocks on Thursday. The rain is expected to douse flames in the national park.

Also Read: [Watch] Forester Erupts With Joy As Rain Aids Odisha’s Efforts To Douse Similipal Fire