Forest fires to rise significantly in Odisha by 2030 due to climate change: Report

WITH climate change triggering longer and more intense heatwaves, forest fire incidents are expected to rise significantly in Odisha by 2030 with severe impact on districts like Kandhamal, Koraput, Kalahandi and Rayagada, areas having sizeable tribal population, predicts a new study.

- HEMANT KUMAR

The study by a group of geographers and environmental scientists revealed the increase in temperature in districts with high susceptibility to forest fires compounded by local practices and over-exploitation of natural resources, including water, and clearing of forests for mining, industrial, and agricultural purposes may lead to increased temperatures and reduced relative humidity conditions conducive to forest fires.

Central, southern, northwestern, northern, and some northeastern parts of Odisha, including Angul, Kandhamal,