Odisha: Similipal reserve forest in grip of major wildfire; raises concern

Baripada/Udala: With cases of wildfire on the rise in several parts of Odisha, a major wildfire gripped Similipal reserve forest of Mayurbhanj district, today.

Forest fire was suddenly detected on Monday night at upper part of the Similipal near Manikpur and Anantapur. The inferno has been spreading faster than usual and has covered a large area. “Blaze has engulfed an area measuring around 1 Km in length,” a local named Durga aka Tutu stated.

The wildfire has charred a number of medicinal plants, some large trees and wild animals. A few days ago, major wildfire had also broken out in Khaladi and Tanakasahi reserve forests under Udala range. The two earlier forest fire incidents had taken place in just two weeks, a source expressed.

It has not been ascertained whether the forest fire occurred naturally or was man-made.

Worthy to mention, about 578 incidents of fire were recently detected in Odisha forests over the week between February 1 and February 8, according to Forest Survey of India (FSI) report.

It is said to be the highest wildfire cases detected in the country in a single day.