The Odisha Forest Department has made remarkable progress in wildfire management, successfully controlling 99.5% of forest fires across the state. This achievement is the result of well-planned fire prevention strategies and swift response efforts.
Strengthening Fire Prevention Measures
To curb the spread of wildfires, the department has taken significant steps. Over 15,723 kilometers of new firelines have been created, while 16,623 kilometers of existing firelines have been maintained to act as barriers against fire. Additionally, 334 fire protection squads have been deployed across all forest divisions, ensuring a quick response to any fire incidents.
Speaking at a press conference, Suresh Pant, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of the Forest Force (HoFF), emphasized the department’s commitment to forest protection. He noted that each fire protection squad is well-equipped with vehicles, trained personnel, and essential firefighting gear to tackle emergencies effectively.
AI-Powered Fire Detection for Faster Response
In a groundbreaking move, the department has introduced artificial intelligence (AI) technology for fire detection. Odisha has installed five AI-powered cameras in Similipal and four in Rourkela to detect wildfires in real-time. These cameras not only help in identifying fire outbreaks but also monitor wildlife activity, improving overall forest management.
Near-Perfect Response Rate
The effectiveness of these efforts is reflected in the department’s impressive response rate. By March 16, 2025, the department received 14,924 fire alerts and successfully responded to 14,922 of them—an outstanding 99.5% success rate.
“Our dedicated teams have worked tirelessly to protect Odisha’s forests, and these results speak for themselves,” said Pant.
With continued innovation and proactive management, Odisha is setting a benchmark in wildfire control and forest conservation.
