Boudh, Mar 29: Boudh district of Odisha has become India’s hottest place, as the temperature has consistently surpassed 40° Celsius, in the past few days. This has left the residents grappling with extreme heatwaves, making it almost impossible for the locals to step outside after 9 A.M.

Environmental experts accredit the rise in temperatures to extensive deforestation, widespread construction projects and the blazing sand of the Mahanadi river.

The burning heat has been further spread by the wildfires, intensifying the hardships of the residents. Every day, vast areas of the forests are engulfed in flames, which are now rapidly leaping from one forest to another.

Wildlife has been shifting to nearby places for their safety, because of the fire. Forestlands in Boudh, including Kantamal and Manmunda, have reported several cases of wildfires.

Efforts are being made by the forest department to raise awareness about forest fire prevention in multiple villages.

According to the reports, the heatwaves of this year has broken the record of the last five years.

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