State to get NDMA funds to tackle wildfires

ODISHA, one of the worst forest fire-affected states, will receive funds from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to fight the menace effectively.

- SUDARSAN MAHARANA @Bhubaneswar

Sources in the Forest department said Odisha along with Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and a few other states have been identified by the NDMA as highly vulnerable to forest fire incidents.

Speaking to The New Indian Express, PCCF and HoFF Suresh Pant said a proposal of ₹63 crore has already been given to the government for submission to the NDMA for sanction of funds. "The funds will be utilised for installation of AI camera tower, community engagement and other programmes to deal with forest fire incidents more efficiently in the state from the next season onwards," Pant said.