Odisha Celebrates Major Drop in Forest Fires as Effective Management Takes Root

The recent report from the Forest Survey of India (FSI) has brought a wave of optimism regarding forest fire management in Odisha, particularly in five districts known for their vulnerability to such incidents. The findings indicate a significant decline in the number of forest fire points during the 2023-24 period compared to the previous year. This promising development is particularly notable in Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Kandhamal, Sundargarh, and Sambalpur, where the forest fire incidents have plummeted dramatically. In 2022-23, both Sundargarh and Kandhamal were notorious for their high fire incidence, each reporting over 3,000 forest fires. However, this year tells a different story: Kandhamal saw a reduction to 2,591 incidents, while Sundargarh recorded only 1,231 fires. The decline was even more pronounced in Mayurbhanj, which houses the Similipal biosphere and had previously reported the highest fire incidents in the state. This year, Mayurbhanj saw incidents drop from 2,698 to just 800. Sambalpur also reported a significant decrease, with incidents falling from 2,248 to 692. The majority of these fires in districts such as Kandhamal, Mayurbhanj, and Keonjhar are attributed to local practices among tribal communities, particularly the burning of dry leaves to facilitate the collection of mahua flowers. Although the flower itself is not flammable, the practice can inadvertently ignite larger fires, especially during the dry season from February to June. The state has made commendable strides in firefighting efforts. Between January and April of this year, the total number of active fire points recorded was around 8,000, with an impressive 99% being handled by firefighting squads. This success can be attributed to several factors, including changes in climate conditions, such as cloudy weather, and increased public awareness regarding forest fire risks and management strategies. Despite these positive trends, the FSI report highlights that Odisha still has about 1.1% of its forest cover classified as extremely fire-prone. Alarmingly, areas classified as very highly fire-prone make up 17.98% of the total forest cover. This lingering vulnerability underscores the importance of continued vigilance and effective management practices. Reflecting on past challenges, it is essential to remember the catastrophic fire incidents in Similipal during February and March of 2021, when the area was overwhelmed by a staggering 47,101 active fire points. The state government’s prompt response, which included deploying personnel from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) as well as a central team to assess the situation, showcased the urgent need for effective firefighting strategies. To bolster these efforts, the wildlife wing of the forest department has recently enhanced its resources with the deployment of 51 all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), 41 firefighting vehicles equipped with special sprinklers, and 47 supportive vehicles. These efforts are designed to improve mobility, expedite response times, and reduce the risks associated with natural fire hazards while also curbing illicit activities within forest areas. As Odisha continues to grapple with the challenges posed by forest fires, the significant decline in incidents this year offers a glimmer of hope. With ongoing efforts in awareness, resource allocation, and strategic planning, the state can further mitigate the impact of these destructive events and protect its valuable forest ecosystems for generations to come.