Forest Department on High Alert to Prevent Forest Fires

Kalahandi, 09/02 (Star News Odisha):The Forest Department has stated that it is fully alert to prevent incidents of forest fires and to control any fire outbreaks in forest areas. An appeal has been made to the general public to refrain from setting fire in forests. Compared to previous years, public awareness regarding forest fire prevention has gradually increased, officials said.
This information was shared during a press conference addressed by Assistant Conservator of Forests Mr. Omkar Das, Range Officer Mr. Diptiman Panda, and Karlapat Forester Mr. Jogendra Majhi. They outlined the preparedness and preventive measures taken by the department to tackle forest fire incidents.
Forest fire incidents pose a serious threat to forest ecosystems, wildlife, and the livelihoods of people dependent on forests. Keeping this in view, forest fire prevention and control have been accorded top priority by the department.
Across various ranges, sections, and beats of the division, nine forest fire protection teams have been deployed, along with nine fire-fighting vehicles. These teams are equipped with 38 leaf blowers and 90 sets of fire safety equipment, including first-aid kits, helmets, safety shoes, hooks, beaters, and other essential fire-extinguishing tools to ensure prompt response during emergencies.
Active participation of Forest Protection Committees, Eco-Development Committees, and local communities has been ensured for effective prevention and mitigation of forest fires. So far, 298 awareness programmes have been conducted on forest fire prevention and management. Additionally, 316 forest fringe and fire-prone villages have been identified for focused forest fire prevention and management efforts.
Departmental training programmes, mock drills, and demonstrations on forest fire prevention and management were successfully conducted on 29 January at Jaring Nursery, further strengthening preparedness at the field level.
The Forest Department has reiterated its appeal to the public to cooperate by avoiding any activity that may lead to forest fires and has assured that all possible efforts will continue to be made to protect forests and wildlife.