Forest fires destroyed 22,293 hectares of forests in Odisha over the past three years, Forest, Environment & Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia informed the state assembly on Tuesday.
In his written reply to BJD MLA Prasanta Behera, Singhkhuntia said 8,462 hectares were lost in 2022, 9,764 hectares in 2023, and 4,067 hectares so far in 2024.
The minister highlighted steps taken to curb forest fires this summer. Fire lines have been created inside forest areas and along boundaries. Awareness campaigns are being conducted at compartment and range levels, supported by information boards, banners, and advertisements. Mock drills are training local communities and staff in fire prevention.
The government has formed 334 trained fire protection squads equipped with 1,037 leaf blowers, vehicles, firefighting tools, and safety kits. Village Forest Protection Committees (VSS) are receiving assistance funds based on their involvement.
AI/ML cameras have been installed at forest check posts for real‑time monitoring. Control rooms operate 24×7 at the State Headquarters and division offices. Staff mobile numbers are registered to receive fire alerts, supplemented by updates from the Forest Survey of India (FSI).
Singhkhuntia emphasised that these measures aim to minimise damage and strengthen forest management during the critical summer months.
