Wildfires rage in protected forest areas of Odisha

Wildfires have been raging in Kuldiha sanctuary in Balasore district, and the Simlipal forest reserve in Odisha for the last one week, which is a cause of big concern. The villagers in the affected area are also worried and say that wild animals have been forced to flee the forest areas. The Odisha government says that steps are being taken to tackle the fires. However, the State's opposition parties say that the government's response has been inadequate. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has meanwhile urged Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav to prepare a long-term action plan for preventing forest fires in Odisha.