Reliance Foundation Joins Hands with Odisha Forest Dept. and Local Communities to Combat Forest Fires

Bhubaneswar: Amid a sharp rise in forest fires due to soaring temperatures, Reliance Foundation has launched a collaborative initiative with the Odisha Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, local communities, and NGOs to bolster forest fire prevention and mitigation efforts across the state.

According to the Forest Survey of India (2021), Odisha’s forest cover spans 52,156 sq km, comprising over 33% of the state’s geographical area. However, the state is currently witnessing a surge in fire incidents, with 19,892 forest fires reported between January 1 and April 25, 2025, as per government data.

In response, Reliance Foundation has partnered with community cadres, Vana Suraksha Samitis (VSSs), and NGO PRADHAN to initiate a three-month-long awareness campaign, which began on World Wildlife Day (March 8) and will conclude on World Environment Day (June 5).

This campaign is focused on capacity building and community-based forest fire mitigation, especially in vulnerable districts like Rayagada, Mayurbhanj, Kandhamal, and Kalahandi. Through field-level engagement and multi-location audio conferences, the initiative is educating community members on the causes of forest fires—both natural and man-made—and equipping them with practical knowledge to prevent and respond to them.

Fortnightly audio conferences connect Forest Department officials with community members to foster direct dialogue on preparedness and response strategies. Advisories in vernacular languages are being circulated, covering topics such as ecosystem damage, climate impact, and best practices for forest fire prevention.

The programme also involves technical experts such as Dr. Umashankar Nayak, Joint Director of Research at OUAT, and Swetaleena Sahu, Assistant Conservator of Forests (Phulbani), who are providing critical support for community education and strategy formulation.

On April 26, a key field session was held with the Saralia Eco-Development Committee (EDC) and local youth volunteers in Balasore, where communities protect 164 hectares of village forest under the Oupada Forest Range. Discussions during the session addressed fire triggers like wild honey harvesting, Mahua tree base clearing, burning of kendu plant bases, and improper waste disposal during community gatherings.

Participants were trained in community-based fire management, including creation of fire lines, removal of dry foliage, and early detection measures to reduce risks. The session emphasized community responsibility and synergy with government agencies as key to preventing large-scale forest fires.

With Odisha facing growing environmental challenges due to climate change and human activity, the Reliance Foundation’s initiative marks a critical step in collaborative, grassroots-led environmental stewardship aimed at protecting forests, wildlife, and human livelihoods.