Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Forest Department has ramped up its preparations for the wildfire season by deploying AI-enabled cameras and drones to enable early detection and swift response.
In a media interaction in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF) Dr K. Murugesan highlighted the department’s strong performance in the previous season. He noted that satellite-based fire alerts combined with prompt action by ground teams resulted in a remarkable 99.7 per cent response efficiency, successfully containing most incidents and limiting overall damage.
Last year’s data revealed a significant challenge, with approximately 29,709 forest fire sites detected across Odisha. These outbreaks were largely attributed to human negligence, exacerbated by dry grass and accumulated leaf litter in forest areas.
Reports from the Forest Department and sources indicate that around 4,600 hectares of forest land were affected during the 2025 season (January to June), with fire points showing an
increase compared to prior years.
Learning from that experience, the department has significantly bolstered its preparedness for the current fire season. District-level action plans have been finalised and authorities have created and maintained 20,461 kilometres of fire lines in vulnerable forest zones to act as barriers against fire spread. Additionally, 334 dedicated fire protection squads have been deployed at division, range, and beat levels. These teams are equipped with essential firefighting gear, including nearly 5,000 fire lift blowers and safety kits.
“The early warning and response system has been further enhanced with the deployment of AI-enabled cameras and drones. Active involvement of Vana Suraksha Samitis, Eco-Development Committees, and local communities has also been ensured. Awareness programmes have already been conducted in 336 villages, while over 631 training programmes are planned for various field units. Additionally, around 200 NDRF personnel have received specialised training in forest fire prevention and control,” IANS quoted Murugesan as saying.
He appealed to the people, particularly those in or near forest areas, to refrain from lighting fires in forests or along their fringes. He cautioned that careless use of fire can lead to devastating and often irreversible harm to ecosystems, wildlife, and biodiversity, stressing that public cooperation remains essential for a safer, fire-free forest season.