Bhubanewsar: Odisha’s Forest, Environment & Climate Change Minister, Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, has reassured the public that the state government is diligently working to manage forest fires.
While acknowledging the traditional use of fire by tribal communities in 17 districts, he emphasized that current fire incidents are minimal, with only 310 minor fire points observed. To address these, the government has deployed ample fire squads, particularly in dense forest areas, and enhanced surveillance using drone technology. Notably, the Similipal forest, a historically vulnerable area, has remained unscathed this year.
With Odisha’s substantial forest cover of 52,000 square kilometres, the government is committed to conservation. Efforts are underway to control controlled fires, often used for collecting mahua flowers in village forests. Furthermore, a new initiative, driven by the Chief Minister, focuses on engaging villagers in fire prevention. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in each village will receive ₹10,000 incentives to actively participate in fire mitigation activities.
