Odisha Forest Fires Plummet to 14 Points, Marking Year's Lowest Amid Weather Shift
The forests of Odisha witnessed a remarkable decline in fire activity, reporting only 14 active fire points on Sunday, the lowest figure recorded so far this year. This significant drop is attributed to a change in weather conditions, which has brought overcast skies and rainfall to the region. However, the total number of fire points since the start of the summer season has already crossed the 15,000 mark, highlighting the severity of the earlier fire incidents.
Recent Trends Show Sharp Decline in Fire Incidents
Over the last three days, only 400 fire points were reported, with Saturday alone accounting for 145 points. Environmentalists have noted that if the current weather pattern persists, with temperatures dropping through April, the total fire points by the end of the month could fall below last year's tally of 28,585. This optimistic outlook is supported by the recent lull in fire activity, which contrasts sharply with the intense conditions earlier in the season.
Weather and Proactive Measures Contribute to Improvement
Deputy Conservator of Forests Sunita Jee, who oversees forest fire management, explained that the last two quarters of March were exceptionally dry, with mercury levels soaring close to 40°C. "It couldn't have had 15,000 total fire points in the beginning of April if the last two quarters reported fewer incidences," Jee stated, emphasizing the role of weather in the recent reduction. While the weather factor is a key contributor to the current lull, the forest department's daily monitoring and proactive strategies have also played a crucial role in preventing fires from affecting core areas of sanctuaries and reserves.
Officials have implemented stringent measures, including instructing divisional forest officers across all divisions—whether territorial or wildlife—to maintain transparency regarding forest fire incidents. They are required to disseminate information openly without concealment, ensuring that response efforts are swift and effective. This approach has helped safeguard critical forest zones and mitigate the overall impact of the fire season.
