The Naveen Patnaik government in Odisha on Monday deployed seven teams of Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) in sensitive forests to tackle forest fires.
The Office of the Special Relief Commissioner said that on the request of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, the department has deployed seven ODRAF teams in Baliguda, Phulbani, Rayagada, Bonai, Kalahandi South, Similipal South, Paralakhemundi forest divisions to extinguish the forest fire.
“The incidents of forest fire are now under control and all measures have been taken,” PTI quoted Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Debidatta Biswal as saying.
It is noteworthy that forest fire incidents are usually reported in January every year.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests said that in 2024, forest fires were detected at 12,000 points in the state’s forest area, compared to 32,500 during the same period last year.
This year, all forest fire warnings have been responded to, he said.
“Seven teams of ODRAF have been deployed at sensitive places to prevent the fire from spreading in the forest areas. They will reach the spot by Tuesday,” he said.
The Office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) of Odisha has written a letter to the Additional DGP (Law and Order) in this regard on Monday.
In its letter, the SRC office asked the ODRAF teams to carry necessary equipment to deal with forest fires along with PPE kits.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests said that 370 squads have been deployed by the Forest Department to extinguish the fire in the state.
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Published: April 22, 2024, 10:54 PM IST
