Bhubaneswar: Odisha Forest, under the strategic leadership of a true nature lover, Dr. K. Murugesan as the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF), has launched a proactive and technology-driven offensive against forest fires for the 2026 season. Recognizing the critical threat to the state’s rich biodiversity, the department has transitioned from traditional reactive measures to a predictive, multi-layered defense strategy.
Deployment of advanced technology The 2026 strategy marks a significant shift toward high-tech surveillance. For the first time, the Department of Forest is deploying AI-enabled cameras and drones in highly vulnerable regions such as Similipal and Rourkela. These tools provide real-time monitoring and early detection, allowing teams to intercept fires before they escalate into large-scale disasters.
As of February 2026, the Department of Forest has completed the creation and maintenance of a massive 20,461 kilometer firebreak line. These lines serve as essential physical barriers to prevent the horizontal spread of surface fires. Early data from January 2026 shows the effectiveness of these preventive measures: the state recorded 341 fire points in January 2026, a sharp decrease from the 670 points recorded during the same period in the previous year.
To ensure rapid action, 334 dedicated forest fire protection squads have been stationed at the range and beat levels. These teams are equipped with over 5,000 leaf blowers and specialized firefighting kits. The efficiency of the response system has shown steady improvement; in the 2025 season, the department achieved a 99.7 percent response rate to the 29,709 fire alerts received, significantly minimizing the total area affected to approximately 4,609 hectares.
Under PCCF & HOFF, Dr. Murugesan’s guidance, the fight against forest fire has been framed as a collective social responsibility. Awareness campaigns have reached 336 villages through Vana Suraksha Samitis and Eco-Development Committees. Furthermore, the integration of 200 specially trained NDRF personnel adds a robust layer of emergency support during peak fire months.
While satellite data for February 2026 has shown over 200 high-confidence fire alerts, the department’s district-specific action plans are fully operational. The focus remains on zero repeat fire points and immediate suppression of alerts generated by the Forest Survey of India (FSI). With a toll-free helpline (18003457158) and 24/7 control rooms, the infrastructure is built to protect Odisha’s precious flora and fauna throughout the dry season.