Bhubaneswar, March 10 -- Odisha Forest, Environment & Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia has assured that the state government is actively taking measures to control forest fires across various regions.

Speaking on the matter, the minister said that awareness campaigns are being conducted in villages close to forested areas. He acknowledged that in 17 tribal-dominated districts, local communities traditionally use fire for various purposes. However, he clarified that there are no major fire incidents in the state at present, with only 310 small fire points detected.

To tackle the situation, the government has deployed adequate fire squads, especially in dense forests. Surveillance has been intensified with the use of drone...