Similipal, Odisha Biosphere Reserve Devoured By Forest Fires; CM Naveen Patnaik Orders Action, Deploys Over 1000 Men To Contain Huge Blaze

Over a week after Odisha's Similipal Forest Reserve (also known as the Similipal Tiger Reserve) caught fire, the state administration has swung into action to douse the flame that continues to rage on. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik held a high-level review meeting on the situation. He described Similipal Forest as a valuable asset of the world. Patnaik also directed officials on March 3 to ensure the conservation of the forest & take precautionary measures to avoid the recurrence of a forest fire. The Odisha government engaged a team of over 1,000 people, including 750 forest guards & deployed 40 vehicles including fire tenders & 240 blowers to the Similipal biosphere reserve in Mayurbhanj district.