Bhubaneswar: The forest fire situation in Odisha is coming under control due to the intensifying patrolling and well-coordinated efforts by the forest and fire personnel, said Head of Task Force on Forest Fire Dr Sandeep Tripathi.
More than 95 per cent of fire-points have been brought under the control. The number of fire-points has been reduced significantly to 3258 from 6258 in the last 24 hours, Tripathi informed.
He further said that there has been no damage to wildlife or human.
In order to prevent further proliferation of fire, 1000 additional personnel will be engaged in fire-fighting.
The State Government has also decided to engage 700 more blowers and additional 100 squads for the abatement of forest fire.
Besides, it has been decided to incentivise 3000 forest fringe villages to take action to prevent occurrence of forest fire and prevent its proliferation.
Earlier today, Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra has reviewed the forest fire situation with all the district Collectors, Superintendent of Police and Divisional Forest Officers and directed all the concerned district level functionaries to take all necessary steps to bring the situation under total control.