A fatal wildfire erupted in the Somasila forest region of Andhra Pradesh’s Nellore district on Wednesday, as per officials. Measures to manage the inferno are currently in progress. Images from the scene depicted dense, ebony smoke billowing into the sky as the ferocious flames consumed the woodland. The Somasila forest, renowned for its diverse ecosystem and ecological importance, is in jeopardy.
According to a report by TOI, specialists have linked the recent surge in forest fires across southern India to several factors, including heightened aridity, above-average daytime temperatures, clear skies, and gentle breezes during the early summer months.
Meanwhile, the government of Naveen Patnaik in Odisha dispatched seven teams of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) to susceptible forest areas on Monday to tackle wildfires.
These seven ODRAF units are stationed in Baliguda, Phulbani, Rayagada, Bonai, Kalahandi South, Similipal South, and Paralakhemundi forest divisions to extinguish forest fires.
“Wildfire incidents are presently contained, and all necessary measures have been implemented,” stated Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Debidutta Biswal, as quoted by PTI.
Biswal pointed out that in 2024, forest fires were identified at 12,000 sites in Odisha’s forested areas, compared to 32,500 during the same period last year.
“To halt the spread of fires in forest regions, seven ODRAF teams have been deployed at vulnerable locations. They are expected to arrive at the scene by Tuesday,” he remarked.
