Poachers Setting Forests On Fire In Odisha, Claims PCCF

Bhubaneswar: Expressing concern over the raging wildfires in different parts of Odisha, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Devidatt Biswal claimed that most of the forest fires are induced by humans while in majority of such cases poachers are responsible.

Biswal informed that 1200 fire points were reported from various forests of the state on Monday which could rise to 1500.

“In most cases, poachers are setting forests on fire for hunting wildlife,” he said, adding that some poachers were arrested in Kandhamal district on Sunday while setting fire to a forest.

“As most fires are caused by humans, the latter are made aware about dire consequences of the forest destruction and the need for protecting forests,” he added.

As part of the ongoing state-wide exercise for quick action on forest fires, forest officials are receiving instant messages in their phones about the fires, he said. He further informed that the department has registered 97 per cent response in term of quick action on forest fires till March 12.

After completely extinguishing fires in forests, their pictures are immediately uploaded in the department’s website, he noted, saying that the forest department is alert about possibility of wild animals intruding into human habitations in the forested pockets where fires are reported.

The PPCF warned of action against the people setting forests afire. “Action will be taken against these people if they are caught red handed. Besides, there is provision of Rs 5000 to Rs 10,000 reward for the people informing about fires,” he said.

Regarding the fire in Sikharchandi area in Bhubanesar, he said the blaze has been contained while the elephant that had strayed in to the locality from the forest has been driven away.