February 18th 2025.
Baripada: Every year during the dry season, the Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary faces a growing threat from forest fires. This sanctuary is not only home to a unique and thriving tiger population but is also a part of the tiger conservation project. In light of this, the Forest department has taken proactive measures to prevent wildfires and protect the sanctuary before the summer season arrives, when fires tend to spread rapidly.
To ensure the safety of both wildlife and the forest, a coordinated effort has been put in place involving Forest officials, firefighters, forest protection committees, and local residents. Various awareness campaigns have also been launched to educate people about the dangers of wildfires. The Similipal Biosphere Reserve includes the Similipal Tiger Reserve, which is divided into northern and southern divisions, as well as the Baripada, Karanjia, and Rairangpur forest divisions.
Out of the 2,750 sq km area of the sanctuary, 1,200 sq km falls within the core zone of the tiger reserve. In recent years, the occurrence of forest fires in Similipal has raised concerns at the national and international levels. According to official sources, in 2020, there were 599 fire points identified, with 474 in the buffer zone and 125 in the core zone. This number increased drastically to 2,861 fire points in 2021, including 1,933 in the buffer zone and 928 in the core zone.
In 2022, there were 319 fire points detected, with 243 in the buffer zone and 76 in the core zone. The following year, in 2023, the number rose to 1,456 fire points, with 1,170 in the buffer zone and 286 in the core zone. In 2024, authorities identified 520 fire points, with 392 in the buffer zone and 128 in the core zone. Interestingly, while 32% of the fires were reported in the core zone in 2021, this number dropped to 20% in 2023, as per data from the Forest department.
During the current dry season, which started from February 1, 64 fire points have been identified across seven forest divisions under Baripada Forest Circle. These include 51 in Baripada division, two in Karanjia division, five in Rairangpur division, one in Balasore division, and five in Keonjhar wildlife division. Fortunately, authorities have managed to bring all these fires under control.
To combat wildfires this year, the Forest department, in collaboration with the district administration, self-help groups, and local representatives, has launched an extensive awareness campaign. Prakash Chand Gogineni, Regional Chief Wildlife Warden and Field Director of the Similipal Tiger Reserve, has stated that forest personnel have been deployed across all ranges with strict instructions to remain vigilant.
To effectively tackle fires in Similipal, 54 fire control squads have been established across five forest divisions, with a total of 290 personnel. Additionally, 40 patrolling vans have been provided to monitor and control fire outbreaks. In remote areas, 28 all-terrain firefighting vehicles, including 20 Thar jeeps and eight Tata firefighting vehicles, have been deployed. These vehicles are equipped with water tanks capable of spraying up to 200 metres.
Moreover, 8,128 km of fire lines have been prepared using 973 blower machines. Each forest range has been equipped with fire extinguishers, new recruits, specialized boots, uniforms, protective glasses, and fire drills for field staff. The Forest Survey of India is also providing real-time fire alerts, and 15 additional satellite systems have been integrated to enhance early warning capabilities. In the core areas, five high-resolution AI-powered surveillance cameras have been installed at an estimated cost of Rs 1.5 crore. These 360-degree cameras have the ability to detect smoke or fire within a 15-km radius and immediately alert the control room, reducing response time compared to the 12-hour satellite data updates.
To prevent human-induced wildfires, awareness campaigns are being conducted in villages located near the Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary. Additionally, financial incentives ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 are being provided to local residents to discourage fire incidents. The Forest department is optimistic that these efforts will greatly improve wildfire control compared to previous years.
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