Summer months are here and so are forest fires. Several incidents of fires have occurred in the forests of the state in March and April this year, causing huge damage to forest and wildlife resources. The Telegraph lists a few major forest fires that took place in the past few weeks and checks out what the authorities have done to fight such situations

WHEN AND WHERE

March 3: Fire at Pithabata located in the buffer region of Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary
March second week: Fire at Raibania reserve forest in the Jaleswar area of Balasore district
March last week: Fire at Purunapani under Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary in Balasore district
April 12: Fire at Nahana located in the core area of Similipal sanctuary
April 14: Fire at Gudgudia, located in the core area of Similipal sanctuary. Incidents of fire also located in the buffer zone
April second week: Fire in the Hathikulia and Dwarika forest areas under Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary
April 20-21: Fire at Daitary Reserve Forest in Jajpur district 
April 21: Fire at Laxmi Dunguri forest on the outskirt of Sambalpur city
April 22: Fire at Kerandimal Reserve Forest in Ganjam district
April 22: Fire at Rukhi forest in Nayagarh district

DAMAGE

• Huge loss to forest and wildlife sources
• Organic content of soil affected

MAJOR CAUSES 

• Fire started by people while collecting mahua flower and honey
• Poachers set fire to forest to catch wild animals

REMEDY AND PREVENTION

• Drawing fire lines
• Engagement of Vana Suraksha 
Samiti volunteers and forest staff to douse fire
• Installation of fire blower machines

Compiled by Subrat Das