Last Update: March 14, 2023, 23:00 IST
Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena also chaired a high-level meeting on forest fires. (Image: News18)
Expressing concern over this, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan urged the Center to initiate immediate measures to stop the forest fire in Odisha
Despite all the preventive steps taken by the authorities, forest fires are on the rise in Odisha. There is fire in many places in the state and the situation in the state is worrying. The Forest Department says that 98 percent of the forest fires have been controlled, although it is not so.
With new areas being set ablaze every day in places like Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, and Ganjam districts, the issue has created a stir in the Odisha Assembly. During the Question Hour, Congress and BJP MLAs raised the issue and sought answers from the government.
Forest and Environment Minister PK Amat said that the department has said that 98 per cent of the forest fires have been brought under control. He said, “There is more fire in the satellite imagery on the forest fire. 98 percent of the area where the fire has been reported is being investigated. Women self-help groups and forest protection committees are being deployed to control forest fires. The fire is being brought under control by the use of technology.”
Firefighters are working day and night to douse several forest fires in Sorda, Badagada, Dharkot, Kavisuryanagar, Bugda and Polsara forest areas in Ganjam district. Many valuable trees are burnt to ashes and are also a threat to wild animals. Fires have been reported at different places in Telkoi, Champua, Patna, Ghatgaon and Keonjhar Sadar ranges of Keonjhar district.
Local people, members of Van Suraksha Samitis (Van Suraksha Samiti) and women from self-help groups are also involved in preventing forest fires. The Forest Department has run various awareness programs in the forest periphery area. Awareness is being created to prevent forest fire through folk mediums like Pala, Dashkathiya, Sankirtan, Jhumar and Padayatra.
“It is a matter of concern for all. We are cooperating with the forest department to stop the forest fire. People should be aware and come forward to stop the fire and wild animals,” Harekrishna Mallick of Dharkot he said.
“Forest fires are causing widespread damage. In some places it is caused by human activities. It is a perennial problem and needs a permanent solution,” said Debraj.
Firefighters including the forest department worked day and night to control the fire.
Meanwhile, expressing concern over this, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has urged Union Forest Minister Bhupendra Yadav to initiate immediate measures to stop forest fires in the state.
Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena also chaired a high-level meeting on forest fires.
(Reporting by Ajesh Mallick, Rabindra Nayak, Abhay Mohapatra, Ajit Dash)
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