Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Monday deployed Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams in at least seven locations to assist frontline staff in containing forest fire incidents in sensitive wildlife divisions of the state.
Earlier, adequate numbers of forest personnel and fire services personnel were pressed into services to douse the forest flames. But, they failed to bring the blaze under control. That’s why, the state government has decided to deploy ODRAF teams at Baliguda, Phulbani, Banei, Parlakhemundi, Kalahandi and Similipal to help the frontline staff to tackle the forest fire.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Devidutta Biswal said, “ODRAF teams have left for their respective destinations. Efforts are on to control the forest fire as soon as possible. Also, the government is creating awareness among local people on measures being taken to control forest fire. Last year, the forest fire was detected in 32,500 points in the Similipal reserve in Asia by April. This year, the forest fire has been detected in over 13 points in the second-largest biosphere reserve in Asia by April.”
Following approval by the office of the Special Relief Commissioner, seven ODRAF teams were deputed to report before the DFOs of the respective forest divisions for forest fire response duty. The teams have also been directed to carry all the equipment required for forest fire response along with PPE kit.
