For 2 years, Similipal keeps fire points in double digits

Bhubaneswar: Effective fire control strategy and checking poaching has helped Similipal Tiger Reserve’s south division, a core area to keep active forest points in double digit for two consecutive years with it reporting only 24 active points since the beginning of the fire season this year.

Last year, the division known for having the majority of big cats, recorded 22 fire points. Drone and AI cameras have also helped the division to bring down fire incidences that went up to 1,068 points in 2021.

“We took measures such as analysis of previous 10 years data and preparation and mapping of sensitive area, motivating staff and monitoring by deputy director and ACFs, strategic fire line making, use of technology like AI camera and drones for early detection of fire, community involvement and awareness meetings,” said Samrat Gowda, deputy director, south division.

Similipal Tiger Reserve, whose topography includes hills and high terrain, records most fire incidents. But this year, so far, Similipal’s fires are under control. Rain in the past two days further improved the situation in the largest reserve of the state, which witnessed its worst-ever fires in 2021. Gradually, the division kept on bringing down fire incidences. In 2024, it reported 233 fire points and in 2023, it was 340.

Additionally this year, Similipal has inducted as many as 50 mini drones in both the north and south divisions to track real-time fire incidents. The mini drones help supplement the AI-based cameras’ fire detection capabilities. The tool is expected to reduce the spread of fire, as fire points can be detected and accessed quickly.

“The mini drones significantly help reduce the spread of fire, as fire points can be detected and accessed quickly,” Gowda added.

Similipal authorities get satellite feed related to active fire points, but the limitation is that the satellite passes through a particular location every 6 hours. By the time a fire is detected by the satellite and instructions are passed on to field staff, there is significant spread, although they are able to attend and douse the flames. “The use of mini drones is efficient in terms of handling and operation. Moreover, even lower-rung trained field personnel can swiftly react to fire points on seeing a minor flame or smoke and douse it before it can spread,” the senior wildlife officer further said.