Bhubaneswar, Ap 2: Wildfires have broken out in more than 130 forest areas across Odisha, with no signs of the flames abating anytime soon. Significant fires have been reported in various forest regions, including in the Kalahandi South Division's Karlapat and other protected areas.
In the Parlakhemundi Division, multiple forest ranges such as Mohan Range, Chitrakonda Range, Rayagada Range, and Udayagiri Range are grappling with spreading wildfires. Fires have also been reported in Gudari Range, Muniguda Range, Balugaon Range, Raigarh Range, Kharial Range, Muribahal Range, Deogarh Range, Kuchinda Range, and the Madanpur-Rampur Range, all of which are witnessing the intense spread of flames.
Authorities are actively monitoring the situation, but the fires continue to pose a significant threat to both wildlife and forest conservation efforts across the state. =
As Odisha faces a surge in forest fires, especially with the peak season lasting until the end of May, the Forest Department has taken proactive measures to combat the crisis. The department has already established fire lines spanning 20,461 kilometers and deployed 334 fire protection squads across all wildlife and territorial divisions to protect the state’s forests.
In a bid to streamline operations and respond more efficiently to wildfire outbreaks, the Forest Department has set up a Forest Control Room. The dedicated contact number for the control room is 18003457158, allowing the public and officials to report forest fires promptly. This initiative is designed to gather real-time reports and ensure swift action to tackle the blazes.
Furthermore, a fresh standard operating procedure (SOP) has been issued for the operation of the control room at the divisional and circle levels across the state. The new SOP aims to improve coordination and effectiveness in handling forest fires during this critical period.
With these enhanced efforts, the department is working tirelessly to mitigate the impact of the ongoing forest fire season and safeguard Odisha's valuable biodiversity.
