Odisha Govt Deploys ODRAF Units Across 7 Critical Sites to Quell Forest Fire Threat

Bhubaneswar: In response to a rise in forest fire incidents across sensitive wildlife divisions, the Odisha government has mobilized ODRAF teams in seven strategic locations. These teams are stationed in Baliguda, Phulbani, Rayagada, Bonai, Kalahandi South, Similipal South, and Parlakhemundi to address the escalating wildfire situation amidst the prevailing heatwave.

Upon receiving a requisition from the Forest Department, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) sanctioned the deployment of ODRAF units in these divisions. Seven teams have been assigned to report to the respective Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) equipped with all necessary firefighting gear and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits.

Earlier, a 26-member ODRAF team was dispatched to the Dukura range of the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) after multiple wildfire points were detected. Now, additional units have been deployed in seven other locations reporting over 50 fire points in recent days.

These ODRAF units will collaborate with forest protection squads, forest guards, and frontline staff to combat the wildfire crisis. They will remain stationed in these areas until the situation improves. Last year, ODRAF units were deployed in 11 divisions during peak forest fire season.

Despite a rise in fire points in the STR, forest department officials assure effective management by deploying over 1,000 frontline workers, including fire protection squad members and forest guards, for enhanced surveillance and firefighting efforts.