Odisha Simlipal Forest Fire; Student Union Calls Mayurbhanj Bandh For 9-Hours

Mayurbhanj: A nine-hour-bandh has been declared in Mayurbhanj today. The Bhanja Sena, a youth organization has called for a nine-hour shutdown, blaming authorities for the blaze.

The organization called for a shutdown from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Earlier, the Bhanja Sena had decided to call for a 12-hour-shutdown, but in view of Shivratri, they reduced it to 9-hours.

As a result of the closure, the Bhanj Sena blocked the National Highway (NH)- 49. The shops and markets have also been closed down.

The Simlipal Forest has been on fire for more than two weeks now, with authorities blaming the locals for the fire.

The students have demanded the authorities to douse the flames by showering water with the help of helicopters.