Jeypore Forest Division Initiates Preemptive Fire-Fighting Training Ahead of Summer Season
As the summer season approaches, heightening the risk of devastating forest fires, the Jeypore forest division in Koraput, Odisha, has launched a proactive campaign to equip its officials with essential fire-fighting skills. A comprehensive mock drill was inaugurated in the Jeypore forest range on Thursday, with plans to extend this training across all six ranges within the division to ensure widespread preparedness.
Hands-On Training to Enhance Emergency Response Protocols
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Jeypore, Suvendu Prasad Behera, emphasized that the training is designed to familiarize officials with critical protocols and procedures upon receiving forest fire alerts. "The mock drill serves as a practical, hands-on exercise for extinguishing forest fires," Behera stated. "It trains personnel on key aspects such as whom to contact, how to access the central control room, and effectively coordinating the movement of fire-fighting teams to mitigate blazes swiftly."
Community Involvement and Awareness Campaigns
To foster community engagement, members of the Vana Surakhya Samiti (VSS) are actively participating in these drills. This initiative aims to raise awareness among local communities about fire prevention measures and response systems, integrating grassroots efforts into broader conservation strategies.
Official sources highlight a significant surge in forest fire incidents during Chaita Parab in April, a tribal celebration where traditional hunting practices involve setting forests ablaze to flush animals from their dens, leading to extensive ecological damage. In response, the mock drills include collaborative meetings with VSS members in villages, educating tribal populations on the importance of forest conservation and discouraging wildlife hunting.
- Street plays and awareness campaigns conducted in local tribal dialects underscore the ecological balance and community welfare benefits of preserving forests.
- These efforts are tailored to resonate with cultural contexts, promoting sustainable practices over harmful traditions.
Geographical Scope and Historical Context
Spanning 2,498 square kilometers, the Jeypore forest division encompasses six ranges: Jeypore, Boipariguda, Kotpad, Gupteswar, Kundura, and Borigumma, with a forest cover of 1,104 square kilometers. Reflecting on past challenges, the division reported approximately 500 forest fire incidents last summer, underscoring the urgency of current preventive measures.
Behera expressed optimism about the initiative's impact, noting, "We anticipate these comprehensive efforts will lead to a measurable reduction in forest fire occurrences, safeguarding both natural resources and local livelihoods." By combining technical training with community outreach, the Jeypore forest division aims to build a resilient framework against seasonal wildfire threats, aligning with broader environmental conservation goals in Odisha's tribal regions.
