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Source-This post on Forest fires in India is based on the article “Forest fires scorched 38,100 HA of tree cover in over 2 decades” published in “The Business Standard” on 4th May 2024.
Why in the News?
The devastating forest fires in Uttarakhand have brought widespread attention to the extensive destruction caused by it. Over time, Forest Fire has become a matter of great environmental concern, and its cases are continuously increasing.
About Forest in India
| Aspects | Description |
| Definition | A forest fire is an uncontrolled fire that destroys large parts of the forest. |
| Causes | Natural factors- Lightning, elevated atmospheric temperatures, and low humidity. Human activities- Traditional agricultural methods such as Jhum cultivation, Human negligence such as discarded cigarettes or bidis. |
| Period | November to June is considered to be forest fire season in India. Peak fire season: It typically begins in late February and spans about 12 weeks. |
| Forest Fire Prone Regions | 1) Highly susceptible to severe fires: Dry deciduous forests 2) Less Prone areas: Evergreen, semi-evergreen, and montane temperate forests 3) Vulnerable states: Odisha, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, the Nagaland-Manipur border, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. |
Status of Forest Fire in India:
1) Extent of Loss: Since 2001, India has witnessed the loss of 38,100 hectares of tree cover to forest fires. The highest loss recorded in 2008 which was around 3 million hectares. Between 2001 and 2023, Odisha and Arunachal Pradesh were the most severely affected states by forest fires.
2) Recent Losses: In 2023, forest fires have resulted in the loss of 2,130 hectares. By the last week of April, Uttarakhand has reported over eight new forest fires, which has consumed 11.75 hectares of tree cover.
3) Fire Alerts: Between May to April 2024, India received 12,689 fire alerts. Karnataka received the maximum fire alerts in the past four weeks.
Global Status of forest fire
Around 28% of trees lost worldwide from 2001 to 2023 were due to forest fires. In 2023, Canada saw the burning of 7.76 million hectares of trees due to fires.
Other countries like Russia, Brazil, Bolivia, the United States, and Australia were also badly affected by forest fires during this time.
Government Efforts to Prevent Forest Fires in India
1) National Action Plan: The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has devised a focused National Action Plan on Forest Fire. It aims to inform, enable, and empower forest fringe communities, incentivizing collaboration with Forest Departments for prevention and control.
2) Empowering Communities: The plan prioritizes empowering forest fringe communities to reduce forest vulnerability. These communities are crucial for early detection, prevention, and firefighting.
3) Enhancing Personnel Capabilities: Government is emphasizing on the need to enhance forest personnel and institutional capabilities through training, equipment provision, and improved coordination.
4) Research and Technology: The government plans to establish a National Institute of Forest Fire Management for research, technology extension, and personnel training, alongside initiatives to enhance monitoring and quick detection infrastructure.
UPSC Syllabus: Environment
