Bhubaneswar: For timely control of fire in different forest areas, the State Government has deployed seven teams of Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) in seven different locations for prevention of forest fire.
“7 ODRAF teams deployed to 7 locations ( Baliguda, Phulbani, Rayagada, Bonai, Kalahandi South, Similipal South, Paralakhemundi) for prevention of forest fire,” Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) and ACS, REvenue & Disaster Management, Satyabrata Sahu in a tweet.
On the request of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), the SRC has deployed the seven ODRAF teams to seven vulnerable forest divisions to douse forest fires.
The ODRAF teams have been deputed to report to the DFO and act as per their direction.
Speaking to media persons, PCCF Debidutta Biswal today said the forest fire incidents are under control and all measures taken to control the wildfire. The forest fire incidents start from January each year. During this year, forest fires reported from 12,000 points while it was more than 32,500 points, Biswal said.
“We are taking all measures to douse the forest fire. As many as 370 forest fire squads have been deployed to extinguish the fire in the state. For which, 330 vehicles have also been arranged. Adequate gloves, safety kits are provided for the squads,” the PCCF said.
A total of 2400 safety kid friends have been given 4800 gloves. With the help of technology, about 10,000 employees’ mobiles up to the guard label have been registered on the OMFS portal, he said.
The PCCF further informed that “Whenever we get information that people are behind the fire, immediate action is taken against such people.”
