Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) were sent to at least seven locations on Monday by the state government to support frontline personnel in controlling forest fire incidents in the state’s sensitive wildlife divisions. Previously, a sufficient number of forest workers and firefighters were dispatched to put out the forest fires. But, they failed to bring the blaze under control. That’s why, the state government has decided to deploy ODRAF teams at Baliguda, Phulbani, Banei, Parlakhemundi, Kalahandi and Similipal to help the frontline staff to tackle the forest fire.
Devidutta Biswal, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, stated: “ODRAF teams have departed for their respective destinations.” Efforts are on to control the forest fire as soon as possible. Also, the government is creating awareness among local people on measures being taken to control forest fire. Last year, the forest fire was detected in 32,500 points in the Similipal reserve in Asia by April. This year, the forest fire has been detected in over 13 points in the second-largest biosphere reserve in Asia by April.”
Seven ODRAF teams were assigned to respond to forest fires by reporting before the DFOs of their various forest divisions, after receiving approval from the Special Relief Commissioner’s office. Along with a PPE gear, the teams have been instructed to bring all the equipment needed for responding to forest fires.
