Proactive Approach of Odisha Govt Leads to Containment of Fire in Similipal: PCCF

Bhubaneswar: The integrated & proactive approach of the Odisha Government has led to containment of fire in Similipal and the State, informed the office of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF).

In a statement, the PCCF said that the fire situation is totally under control now.
The massive up-scaling of manpower and infrastructure in term of engagement of more fire watchers, almost doubling of leaf blowers , with massive community engagement and mobilization coupled with day & night efforts of field staff is helping in containing fire, it said.

Further, heavy deployment of ODRAF teams, now 8 teams with 25 members against 4 earlier, engagement of PRI institutions, SHGs and active support of District administration has paid rich dividend.

The entire State had registered only 1048 FSI satellite based forest points against 497 points yesterday with Similipal reporting only 5 fire point as against 26/24 points last two days. Further, parts of Similipal have experienced rains yesterday which would possibly prevent any further proliferation of fire in Similipal.

The IMD, Bhubaneswar has also prediction of intermittent rains in most parts of the State for coming three days which would be positive development for forest fire mitigation. Though, the fire position is under control, the State is on full alert to combat any reoccurrence of fire given that major forest fire season is still left, the PCCF said.

The leave of all forest field staff has been cancelled by the Government and a detailed review on VC of all RCCF/DFOs was taken by Chairman, Task Force on Fire on Wednesday asking them to be vigilant, upscale night patrolling & attend forest fire points immediately.