Keonjhar, Mar 11: Three forest officials have been suspended for negligence in their duties, including their absence from the Keonjhar Forest Department headquarters and lapses in fire management, officials said.

Forester Pramod Behera, Ghatgaon Forester Biswaranjan Mishra, and Forest Guard Hrudananda Mohanty have been placed under suspension. The officials were also found negligent in assessing crop damage caused by elephants.

Meanwhile, forest fires have already begun in parts of Odisha even before the onset of the summer season. Fires are currently burning across various areas in the Takra Forest Section under the Dasapalla Forest in Nayagarh district. Local forest staff are patrolling the affected areas round the clock to contain the fires.

Takra Forest Officer Rakesh Kumar Sahu is actively raising awareness among local residents by visiting villages and advising them on fire prevention measures. The Forest Department continues to take proactive steps to mitigate risks and manage the ongoing fire situation.