Set zero forest fire
goal in Odisha: Experts
Friday, 16 April 2021 | SUDHIR MISHRA | BALANGIR
The forest department
must set a goal of zero fires in forthcoming times. This was among the
important views emerged in a webinar on forest fire held recently, organised by
the RCDC and the Odisha Commons Exchange.
The
motto was to understand the present situation of forest fire in Odisha,
especially in the context of this having happened at greater frequency in the
months of February. Forest fire in Odisha usually occurs from March to May.
And
much to the surprise of many, this year the forest fire started from mid of
February and the huge forest fire in the Similipal Biosphere reserve captured
the attention of the national and international media with Odisha topping the
list of forest fire incidents in the country. According to the Forest Survey of
India (FSI), at least 5,291 forest fires were recorded in Odisha between
February 22 and March 1, the highest in the country for the same period. Forest
and Environment Minister Bikram Keshari Arukh informed the State Assembly
recently that since January this year till date ( March 24, 2021) 23,473 fire
incidents have been reported in the State devouring about 159 square km of
forest.
Joining
the webinar, many experts on forest and enviornment kept their opinions as to
how to effectively deal with the forest fires. Incidents of forest fire are
increasing. Explaining the various causes, Prabhat Mishra told how community
members have been traditionally proactive on reporting and putting out forest
fires in association with workers of the Forest Department. Forest fires
are more prominent in deciduous forests and maximum number of incidents
occurred in south Odisha, opined RCCF BrahmspurManoj Mahapatra. He called upon
all stakeholders to cooperate in preventing and mitigating forest fires.
Mahapatra pointed out how the department was taking note of
community efforts and providing incentives to encourage positive changes. He
sought cooperation of all to fight forest fire effectively.
The
process of approving individual and community forest rights should be stepped
up to enthuse the community to do more and the process of CFR management should
go a long way in protecting and conserving forests, pointed out Satya Pattnaik.
He
was of the opinion that capacity of all stakeholders must be strengthened and
coordination must improve to address the menace.As per the satellite data,
forest fire clusters are developing in certain pockets of Odisha and it is
important to keep watch on them. He dwelt on the climatic factors that could be
driving the fires, said Barna Baibhav Panda The Forest Department continues to
look upon the forest as a production unit.
It
should change its stance and concentrate on conservation of forests with an eye
towards enriching the livelihoods of the forest dwellers, said Gitanjali Sahoo,
adding that the State must strengthen the Forest Department and enhance
coordinated efforts.Forests are vital and all the inhabitants of the Earth
should think of themselves as one community and look after the welfare of
forests, said Nibedita Dash.
While
Odisha excelled in achieving zero casualty in the disaster management like of
cyclone ,efforts of the State Forest Department should be to achieve the goal
of zero fires, opined Dr Ambika Nanda.The Forest Department should engage and
involve youths in mitigating forest fires, besides sensitizing the women on
forest fire and its prevention, opined Kailash Dash.
Community
is moving away from viewing forests as an essential resource particularly as
modern life is moving away from nature towards artificial goods like plastic
and proper marketing of MFP could reverse the stance, said Kulamani Sahu.There
is the need for a long term plan to mitigate forest fires keeping in view
the impacts of climate change.
There
is also a need to renew the interests of the community in forests and ensure
their rights over resource. The community is best managers of forests and
traditional ways of forest management must be renewed, said Pradeep Brahma.
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