After irreparable damage caused to the plant and wildlife resources of the Similipal Reserve Forest in Mayurbhanj district by a raging fire for over a week, the State Government on Thursday woke up to take damage control measures. As many as 39 squads, comprising 390 persons equipped with fire tenders, were pressed into service to douse the fire.
“I came to know from media reports about the incident. The PCCF and forest officials have been instructed to take adequate measures to contain the fire,” Forest and Environment Minister Bikram Keshari Arukh said. He said though fire in Similipal is a regular affair, yet this year’s happening is a fierce one. A meeting would be held at the State Secretariat to ascertain the reason, he said.
According to reports, the fire spread to Jadapala and Duruchampa sections of Naana South range of the reserve’s core area and Gunduria, Podadiha and Sarua sections of the Jenabil range of the sanctuary.
Meanwhile, forest officials have claimed that miscreants have been setting the jungles on fire for podu cultivation, poaching and firewood purposes.