Rising temp in Keonjhar worries environmentalists

Keonjhar: With temperature crossing 40°C in Keonjhar district once known for its cool climes, environmentalists have expressed concern over the massive destruction of its forests. Fifteen years ago, the average temperature in Keonjhar was 35°C but now it exceeds 43°C. Environmentalists say that if this continues, the situation will be fatal in a few years. The forest area has shrunk and was converted to barren land for other uses.“Due to the prevalence of timber mafia, deforestation in the name of livelihood, and slash-and-burn agriculture, the vast hilly areas and stone ranges are contributing to increased temperatures. Although there are large rocks and hills lying exposed in the district, afforestation is not being taken up,” said environmentalist Duskar Barik. He said during summer the lack of forests and greenery results in the rocks getting heated up as direct sunlight falls on them. “Radiation from the rocks makes the environment hot at night,” he said.“In areas like Sadar, Ghatgaon, Patna, Saharpada, Champua, Jhumpura and other block areas, large rocks, stone slabs and barren hills are increasing the heat. Since steps are not being taken to afforest in sufficient quantities in these areas, the temperature is not reducing,” said Ramesh Chandra Mishra, another environmentalistMishra has grown over 10 lakh seedlings in his nursery and distributed them free of cost over the past 10 years using his pension money. He said, “If the administration takes steps for afforestation in these areas, such a situation can be addressed to some extent.”Divisional forest officer ( Keonjhar) Dhanraj HD, said, “The department, with the support of different sections of people, is creating awareness to check forest loss, and massive plantation drives have been conducted to enrich the environment.”