Bhubaneswar, Mar 10: Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia, Minister of Forest, Environment & Climate Change (FE&CC), has said that the Odisha Government is fully focussed on preventing fires in dense forests in the state.

Speaking on the issue of fires in forests, Singhkhuntia said that the Odisha Govt is aware of the issue. “To prevent fires, awareness programmes have been conducted in the villages near the forest,” stated the FE&CC Minister.

Explaining the situation, Singhkhuntia said that, in 17 tribal districts, people traditionally set fires. “Currently, there are no major fires in the state. At present, fires have occurred in 310 small points,” revealed the FE&CC Minister.

“There are sufficient resources – squads – available to prevent these fires. The aim is to stop fires in dense forests. Our forests are safe,” asserted the Odisha Minister.

Sharing the details, Singhkhuntia said that locals usually light fires for collecting mahua. “We have 52,000 square kilometres of forests. In village forests, locals light fires for collecting mahua,” explained the FE&CC Minister.

He said that there are no fires in Similipal. Shedding lights on the steps being taken to prevent fires in forests, Singhkhuntia said that the forests are continuously monitored.

“Forces are deployed in dense forests. Drone cameras are being used. Fire points are being monitored. From this year onwards, villagers will be engaged in fire prevention activities,” the FE&CC Minister said.

“For this purpose, an incentive of 10,000 rupees will be provided to each village through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) as directed by the Chief Minister,” he concluded.

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