Despite all efforts of the Government, two to three hectares of forests at Similipal sanctuary are destroyed due to fire every day each summer from March first week. Forests and Environment Minister Bikram Keshari Arukh has informed this in the Assembly recently. He stated that nearly 65 villages are located in interior area of the sanctuary while 1,200 villages are located around the sanctuary. “The fire is occurring for two reasons, one by the villagers and other by the poachers. While the villagers fire the forests for collecting forest products, poachers fire for poaching animals,” the Minister nformed. He informed that the Forest officials have immediacy been swung into action.