Bhubaneswar, 10 March (H.S.): Forest fires have destroyed 22,293 hectares of forest area in Odisha over the past three years, State Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia informed the Assembly on Tuesday.

Responding in writing to a question from Prasanta Behera, MLA from Salipur and a leader of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the minister said that 8,462 hectares of forest land were affected by fires in 2022, followed by 9,764 hectares in 2023, and 4,067 hectares so far in 2024.

To prevent forest fires during the upcoming summer season, Singhkhuntia said the state government has implemented several preventive and preparedness measures. Fire lines have been created inside forest areas and along forest boundaries to help contain fires. Awareness campaigns are also being conducted at forest compartment and range levels to sensitise local communities.

Information boards, banners and advertisements have been placed at key locations, while mock drills are being organised to train forest staff and local residents in fire prevention and response.

The minister further said that trained fire protection squads have been formed and equipped with 334 vehicles, 1,037 leaf blowers, firefighting tools and fire safety kits. At present, 334 fire protection squads have been deployed across forest areas to respond quickly to fire incidents.

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda