Forest fire-fighting training starts in Jeypore division

Koraput: As summer approaches bringing with it an increased risk of forest fires, the Jeypore forest division has initiated a proactive campaign to train its officials in fire-fighting techniques. A mock drill was launched in Jeypore forest range on Thursday and will be subsequently conducted in all six ranges of the division.Divisional forest officer (DFO), Jeypore, Suvendu Prasad Behera said the training aims to familiarise officials with protocols and procedures to be followed upon receiving forest fire alerts.“The mock drill is a hands-on practice to extinguish forest fires. It trains officials on whom to contact, how to reach the central control room, and how to coordinate the movement of fire-fighting teams,” said Behera.To ensure community involvement, members of Vana Surakhya Samiti (VSS) are also participating in the drills. This initiative aims to create awareness among local communities about fire prevention and response systems.Official sources said there is a significant increase in forest fires during Chaita Parab in April. The tribal celebration traditionally involves hunting practices, where forests are set on fire to drive animals out of their dens, making them easier to catch. These practices result in extensive damage to forest land.During the mock drill, meetings are organised in collaboration with VSS members in villages to educate the tribal population about the importance of forest conservation and the need to avoid hunting wildlife, said Behera.Street plays and awareness campaigns in local tribal dialects are being used to underline the significance of preserving forests for ecological balance and community welfare. “We hope these initiatives will lead to a reduction in forest fire incidents,” Behera added.Spread over 2,498 sq km, the Jeypore forest division comprises Jeypore, Boipariguda, Kotpad, Gupteswar, Kundura, and Borigumma ranges, with a forest cover of 1,104 sq km. Last summer, the division reported around 500 forest fire incidents.