Wildfire in Chilika Lake: Quick Response Prevents Major Damage

A fire incident occurred at Chilika Lake in Odisha's Khordha district, successfully contained after strenuous efforts by coordinated wildlife and fire service teams on Saturday, officials revealed. The blaze, affecting dry Phragmites patches or 'Nala grass', was managed efficiently by teams from Khordha and Puri districts.

Authorities suspect human involvement, though investigations continue on the fire's origin. According to Amlan Nayak, Divisional Forest Officer of Chilika Wildlife Division, such incidents are recurrent due to the region's dry vegetation and human activities.

Nayak detailed that these fires typically affect Phragmites patches, which attract fire hazards because of their dry nature and human encroachment, posing challenges in control. Wildlife teams sustain round-the-clock monitoring using boats, foot patrols, and vehicles.

These habitats are crucial for species like fishing cats and nesting birds, necessitating immediate and intensified protection efforts during such fires," Nayak added. He confirmed that rapid response from local teams minimized the fire's spread and concluded there was no animal harm.

Post-fire assessments, including drone surveys, indicated damage was constrained to burnt grass. Authorities praised the swift intervention that ensured the lake's ecological protection.

(With inputs from agencies.)