By SANTOSH MOHANTY
Rapid industrialization,denudation of natural forest,forest fire and above all climate change have become responsible for excessive rise in temperature in Angul district during winter. There is a remarkable increase in day temperature since January with the mercury hovering between 31 degree celcius to 33 throwing the day to day life of people of this industrial district out of gear.
While a number of Sal forests in Talcher and Pallahara are in the grip of massive fire, forest officials and nature lovers working for various wildlife organizations did not rule out bush fire which might be dangerous for village forests protected by people. Reports said increase in temperature due to scorching sun might be damaging for flora and fauna in Angul district which houses Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary and other natural reserved forests.
Forest officials in Bantala, Purunakote and Pampasara said they have been keeping a close watch on the forest pockets which are vulnerable to forest fire but added that villagers living near these areas must not shy away from their responsibility of dousing the conflagration when spotted. They said they must immediately inform the corncerned Watchers and forest staff on fire incidents which are very common in dry season. We have been undertaking regular patrolling and this practice will continue till excessive heat and dry season is prevalent, the officials added.
Social activists working in community based forest organizations alleged that the concerned department seemed to be taking no concrete step to put an end to elephant-man conflict nor worried about the forest fire which may destroy the ecosystem.
