New Delhi (NVI): A massive wildfire at Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha, that razed around one third of the National Park, has been finally contained after 10 days, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar has said.
The wildfire, which caused widespread concerns among environmentalists, has been finally contained, with no loss of life reported, the Union Minister said in a tweet.
“The fire at Similipal forests is now under control & no loss of life has been reported due to the incident. The Similipal forests are invaluable, not just for India but for the entire world. I appreciate the efforts of forest officials to contain the fire,” he tweeted.
The fire at Similipal forests is now under control & no loss of life has been reported due to the incident.
The Similipal forests are invaluable,not just for India but for the entire world. I appreciate the efforts of forest officials to contain the fire.https://t.co/LWD2XxQjaM
— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) March 5, 2021
Similipal is a national park and tiger reserve situated in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district. The 2,750 sq km area harbours unique melanistic tigers, rare and endemic orchids, 1,352 species of plants, 55 species of mammals, 361 species of birds, 62 species of reptiles and 21 species of amphibians.
The massive fire broke out at the forest area in February. Several environmentalists had shared pics and videos on the forest fire which had affected 21 ranges of Similipal.
“The #Simlipal Fires have raged for 10 days already, destroying much endangered flora and fauna, decimating medicinal plants and displacing countless wildlife & adivasi communities in 8 out of 21 ranges in Similipal – Asia’s second largest biosphere reserve,” tweeted Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS).
The #SimlipalFires have raged for 10 days already, destroying much endangered flora & fauna, decimating medicinal plants & displacing countless wildlife & adivasi communities in 8 out of 21 ranges in Simlipal – Asia's second largest biosphere reserve. #WorldWildlifeDay #WWD2021
— KISS – Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (@kissfoundation) March 3, 2021
As per reports, the fire spread to the whole of Anandapur, Khandachira and Balinal hills under Podadiha Forest Range in the southern part of the Tiger Reserve. The fire also engulfed Mituani and Kendumundi forests under Thakurmunda range of the forest area.
On Wednesday, Union Minister Pratap Sarangi also tweeted on the forest fires, while tagging Prakash Javadekar and Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik.
“Similipal is burning and it’s not a good sign for Asia. Mayurbhanj needs national and international’s media attention as its cause is genuine. Sad, not any leading national media is covering the story of Similipal since fire breaks a week ago,” he had tweeted.
Simlipal is burning and it's not a good sign for Asia. Mayurbhanj needs national and international's media attention as its cause is genuine. Sad, not any leading national media is covering the story of Simlipal since fire breaks a week ago. https://t.co/gJ2AFiCcWo
— Pratap Sarangi (@pcsarangi) March 3, 2021
On the same day, the Odisha CM’s Office tweeted that Naveen Patnaik had reviewed the situation and asked the officials to take preventive measure to control the fire.
However, environmentalists and conservationists have said that the massive forest fire has harmed several orchids and medicinal plants.
Meanwhile, the Odisha forest department has asked all district officers to submit a daily report on the fire spots in their respective divisions.
-ARK/RJV
