Bhubaneswar: The forest fire in the state is not in a concern stage as there number of forest fire points is much less than last year’s figure. About 99 per cent of the total forest fire points are man made, said PCCF Debidutta Biswal.
Compared to last year, forest fires reported at very few points this year. By April 17 last year, there were 31, 210 forest fire points, while this year, forest fire reported from only 11, 367 points, he 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.
Wherever there is a fire, the information of the point where the fire started is immediately available from the satellite. Compared to last year, the area affected by fire has decreased. Earlier, after the fire, the affected area was at point 5, but now it is at point 25, he added.
The PCCF further informed that “Whenever we get information that people are behind the fire, immediate action is taken against such people. In the forest, people are setting fire for cultivation, kendu leaves, puja.
About 100 cases are booked against people every year. Man-made forest fires are more common in districts like Nabarangpur, Malkangari, Koraput, Rayagada, Jaipur in the State, Shri Biswal said, adding, “As we are making people aware, a special advisory has also been issued.”
