India's Second Largest Biosphere Reserve Is In Danger

Odisha is better known for its greeny forest environment and safety of animals.  But that beauty is destroyed in the last more than 10 days as a devastating fire broke out in the wild of Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR).  This is India's second largest biosphere reserve in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district. The State Forest Department is still trying to bring the situation under control. 

As per reports, the fire has already spread to the whole of Anandapur, Khandachira and Balinal hills under Podadiha Forest Range in the southern part of the STR. The flames have also engulfed Mituani and Kendumundi forests under Thakurmunda range of the STR with no signs of receding.

“The jungle is burning and we are helpless. Many medicinal plants have been reduced to ashes. Many wildlife species, including endangered and scarce ones, have perished in the wildfire,” said a local.

An allegation is that the fire could have been brought by locals to poach wild animals and collect mahua. 

“The forest department has deployed its personnel and several wildfire mitigation measures have been adopted to bring the flames into control. Adequate vehicles, fuel, fire blowers, personal safety equipment have been provided to the personnel. Besides, teams of fire squad that were particularly reserved for carrying out rescue operations during forest fires have also been pressed into action,” said Deputy Director (DD) of Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) Jagyandatta Pati.

The Union Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Prakash Javadekar on Tuesday tweeted that, "I have ordered officers to take immediate action and report it to me".