Odisha Is Burning: Wildfire In Simlipal Tiger Reserve Devours 1/3rd Of The State

For the last 10 days, a fire has been burning at Odisha’s Simlipal National Park and was just recently brought under control. Simlipal National Park situated in the northern part of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district frequently witnesses forest fires during dry weather conditions, and is especially vulnerable to forest fires with the onset of summers. Even though forest fires usually have natural origins, they can also sometimes be attributed to man-made factors.

According to wildlife activist Bhanumitra Acharya, who has worked closely with the forest reserve for the last 28 years, instances of poaching and hunting wherein the poachers set a small patch of forest on fire to divert the wild animals can lead to such fires.

The Simlipal National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site and India’s second largest biosphere reserve, India’s largest elephant reserve and the only home of black Royal tiger.

As per reports, the fire has already spread to the whole of Anandapur, khandachira and Balinal hills under Podadiha Forest Range in the southern part of the STR. The flames have also engulfed Mituani and Kendumundi forests under Thakurmunda range of the STR with no signs of receding.

It is said that the fire could have been set by locals to poach wild animals and collect mohua.

It is time national media take heed of this fact and cover the news to their best capacity.

If you enjoyed reading this article, we suggest you also read:

A Young Manipuri Local Transformed Barren Land Into A Lush Forest Over 10 Years

10 Indian Environment Conservation Activists Leading The Drive Against Climate Change

Young Indians Championing Wildlife Conservation In India