Forest Fire Prevention: The Odisha state government has taken proactive measures to combat forest fires in the upcoming fire season, implementing a series of preventive programs to minimize risks and enhance response capabilities.
A District Action Plan (DAP) is being prepared in each district by November-December under the chairmanship of the District Collector to ensure coordination and necessary assistance from various departments. Fire lines have been established in forest interiors and border areas to create natural fire breaks.
To raise awareness, forest and range-level campaigns are being conducted, along with banners, advertisements, and mock fire drills. A trained fire prevention team has been deployed, equipped with necessary fire-fighting vehicles, extinguishing equipment, and protective gear. Additionally, 334 fire protection squads have been formed to strengthen fire-fighting efforts, with assistance provided to the Forest Protection Committee (VSS) as needed.
In a technological advancement, five AI/ML cameras were installed in Similipal last year to detect and send real-time alerts regarding fire incidents. Furthermore, 24×7 control rooms have been set up at the state headquarters and forest department offices to monitor and manage fire incidents efficiently.
To enhance coordination, the mobile numbers of forest officials at various levels have been registered with the Forest Survey website to receive fire alerts. The Forest Survey of India (FSI), Dehradun, is responsible for monitoring forest fires across India and connects all fire points with the state. Field staff download fire alerts through the OFMS portal on their mobile apps, enabling rapid response and containment of fires. Officers are required to upload detailed reports along with photographs on the OFMS portal after fire incidents are addressed.
Minister for Forest, Environment, and Climate Change, Shri Ganesh Ram SingKhuntia, shared these details while responding to a question tabled in the Assembly, reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding forests from fire hazards.
