Fire Situation In Odisha Forests Totally Under Control, Claims Govt

Bhubaneswar: Even as the Central team is on the way to Similipal National Park, the Odisha government on Thursday claimed that the integrated and proactive approach has led to containment of forest fire in the state.

In a release, the office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) has stated that the fire situation in the forests is totally under control. The entire state had registered only 1048 FSI satellite-based forest points against 497 points on Wednesday with Similipal reporting 5 fire points against 26/24 points in the last 2 days. Further, parts of Similipal have experienced rain on Wednesday and Thursday which would prevent further proliferation of fire.

Since the regional centre of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast intermittent rain in most parts of the state including Mayurbhanj in next 3 days, it would be a positive development for forest fire mitigation.

Also Read: Rain God Continues To Smile On Firefighters In Similipal, Yellow Warning For 7 Odisha Dists

However, the state is on full alert to combat any reoccurrence of fire given that major forest fire season is still left. The leave of all Forest field staff has been cancelled by the government and a detailed review on VC of all RCCF/DFOs was taken by chairman, Task Force on Fire asking them to be vigilant, upscale night patrolling and attend forest fire points immediately. 

Further, deployment of 8 ODRAF teams with 25 members each, engagement of panchayati raj institutions, SHGs and active support of district administration have helped control the forest fire.

Meanwhile, the two-member central team arrived in Bhubaneswar on Thursday morning and immediately left for Similipal National Park in Mayurbhanj district to ascertain the causes of the forest fire and assist the state with technical support to tackle the blaze.

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