Bhubaneswar, Feb. 24 -- As temperature rises and summer approaches, forest fire concerns have heightened within the Forest Department in Odisha, especially the Koraput region, known for its rich and dense forests, which faces annual threats from fires often ignited either deliberately or for agricultural purposes.

To address this persistent challenge, the Forest Department has launched a pioneering strategy comprising high bamboo watchtowers strategically placed in forested areas. These towers are furnished with firefighting gear, allowing forest guards to detect smoke over long distances and act promptly to contain any emerging fires.

Currently, 60 towers have been constructed across six ranges, including Narayanpatna, Bandhugaon, Lamt...