Worst Forest Fires In Odisha

News: According to data from the Forest Survey of India (FSI), Odisha experienced 642 large fire incidents between March 2 and 9, 2023, the most in the nation for that time period. Despite this, forest fires are still raging in the state.

The number of big fires in various jungles in the eastern state, which was highest in the nation, was 96.

189 active fire occurrences were reported on the same day from all other states combined, according to FSI.

Since the start of the fire season on November 1, 2022, Odisha has seen 871 significant forest fires.

Official data indicated that this is also a season-high national record. Andhra Pradesh (754), Karnataka (642), Telangana (447) and Madhya Pradesh were the next states behind it (316).

The expert continued that some of the fires may have been started for human-made reasons as well.

He remarked that the indigenous people lit woodlands on fire for kendu leaf and mahua flower collection, as well as for shifting farming.

According to Biswajit Mohanty, a former member of the National Board for Wildlife, they also pose a threat to the animals and the locations where they live.