Record Drop in Forest Fires in Odisha Signals Hope for Conservation Efforts

In a promising development for forest conservation in Odisha, the number of forest fire incidents in five vulnerable districts has seen a significant decline in the year 2023-24, according to the latest report from the Forest Survey of India (FSI). The areas of concern—Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Kandhamal, Sundargarh, and Sambalpur—have historically faced severe challenges with forest fires, but recent statistics indicate substantial progress. The FSI report highlights a remarkable drop in fire incidents across these districts compared to the previous year. Notably, Kandhamal recorded 2,591 fire points this year, a decline from over 3,000 in 2022-23. Sundargarh also experienced a decrease, with incidents falling to 1,231 from more than 3,000. Mayurbhanj, home to the vital Similipal biosphere, demonstrated a significant reduction, with fire points decreasing from 2,698 to just 800. Sambalpur, which faced 2,248 fire incidents last year, reported only 692 this year. The reduction is particularly noteworthy for a region where man-made forest fires have been prevalent, especially between February and June. In these tribal belts, locals often burn dry leaves to harvest mahua flowers, inadvertently setting off larger fires. Although mahua flowers themselves are not flammable, the practice has historically led to devastating incidents that threaten the forest ecosystem. Between January and April of this year, Odisha recorded only 8,000 active fire points, a staggering 99% of which were promptly attended to by firefighting squads. Experts point to a combination of factors contributing to this decline, including climate change, which has brought about more favorable weather conditions, as well as increased community awareness about the dangers of forest fires. The report from the FSI reveals that Odisha's forest cover totals approximately 57,066 square kilometers, with around 1.1% classified as extremely fire-prone. Alarmingly, 17.98% of the total forest cover falls into the very high fire-prone category, underscoring the ongoing risks to these vital ecosystems. In light of the devastating fires that plagued Similipal in early 2021—recording an unprecedented 47,101 active fire points—the state government has taken decisive steps to enhance firefighting capabilities. In response to the crisis, a central team assessed the damage and the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) was deployed to combat the flames. The forest department has since bolstered its resources with the addition of 51 all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and 41 specialized firefighting vehicles equipped with sprinklers. This initiative aims to improve mobility, reduce response times, and enhance overall fire prevention efforts. The enhanced fleet of vehicles is designed to navigate rugged terrains, allowing for more effective patrolling and quicker responses to emerging fire threats. This multifaceted approach to fire prevention, coupled with community engagement, bodes well for the preservation of Odisha's forests. As the state continues to grapple with the challenges posed by climate change and human activity, the significant drop in forest fire incidents this year offers a beacon of hope. It reflects not only the effectiveness of targeted interventions but also the potential for greater awareness and cooperation among local communities in safeguarding their natural heritage. With concerted efforts, Odisha may be on the path to achieving a more sustainable balance between human activity and forest conservation.