Forest patches at the Mahendragiri Hills under Rayagada block in Gajapati district are on fire for the last few days.
local people said the Mahendragiri Hills has plants of all kinds of medicinal values. Besides, many saints are residing in the forests and various worship programmes are held almost everyday. Many tourists come to the place to see the lush-green hills and visit age-old Bhima, Kunti, Arjuna and Parshuram temples there.
It is alleged that even though the Forest Department is entrusted with the task to protect forests, no step has been taken by the concerned officials though fire occurs in the forests every evening. Sources said some people residing in the Mahendragiri areas are setting the forests on fire for cultivation purpose. It is demanded that the Forest Department take immediate steps to protect the forests.