- India has seen a tenfold increase in forest fire incidents over the past two decades.
- Annual economic losses from forest fires are estimated at ₹1.74 lakh crore.
- 36% of India’s forest area is prone to fires, despite only a 1.12% growth in forest cover.
- The top three states where fire incidences were observed the most in 2023-24 forest fire season were
- Uttarakhand (21,033)
- Odisha (20,973)
- Chhattisgarh (18,950)
Forest Fires in India Map
Forest Fires in India (Last 5 Years)
- Nov 2023 to Jun 2024: 2,03,544
- Nov 2022 to Jun 2023: 2,12,249
- Nov 2021 to Jun 2022: 2,23,333
- Nov 2020 to Jun 2021: 3,45,989
(Source: India State of Forest Report 2023 – Download PDF)
Recent Forest Fires in India
- June 2024: Forest fire incident in the Uttarakhand district’s Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.
- March 2023: sporadic forest fires in Goa
- March 2023: Forest fire broke out in Tamil Nadu’s Kodaikanal
Key Causes of Forest Fires
1. Climate Change
- Rising temperatures and prolonged dry spells have increased forest fire susceptibility.
- Unseasonal heat waves, particularly in Himalayan states, heighten fire risks.
- The 2023–2024 El Niño is one of the strongest on record, contributing to below-average rainfall.
2. Human-Induced Factors
- Expansion of agricultural frontiers and slash-and-burn techniques worsen fire outbreaks.
- Infrastructure projects like roads and railways escalate accidental ignitions.
- Approximately 75% of wildfires are attributed to human activities (Source: WWF International, 2020).
3. Inadequate Fire Management
- Lack of real-time monitoring and rapid response teams in forest departments.
- As of 2019, India had only 3,377 fire stations, far below the required 8,559.
4. Biodiversity and Vegetation
- India’s diverse ecosystems, especially dry deciduous and pine forests, are highly fire-prone.
- Pine forests in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh shed resin-rich needles, increasing flammability.
5. Weak Community Participation
- Rural communities often lack awareness of fire risks and control practices.
- Coordination between local panchayats and forest officials is insufficient.
Other Issues Related to Forests in India
- Deforestation due to infrastructure and industrial projects has led to massive forest loss.
- Weak implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) hampers tribal communities’ rights.
- Monoculture plantations negatively impact natural biodiversity.
Measures for Sustainable Forest Management
1. Community-Led Initiatives
- Empowering local communities through Van Panchayats and Joint Forest Management Committees can enhance fire preparedness.
2. Technological Integration
- Use of AI-driven predictive models and real-time satellite monitoring to detect fire-prone zones.
3. Fire-Resistant Afforestation
- Shift to fire-resistant native species and create green firebreaks to prevent fire spread.
4. Strengthening Legal Frameworks
- Expedite claims under the Forest Rights Act to empower tribal communities in forest management.
5. Climate-Resilient Forestry
- Integrate climate adaptation strategies, selecting drought-tolerant native species for afforestation.
6. Regulate Infrastructure Projects
- Enforce strict regulations on mining and infrastructure in eco-sensitive zones.
7. Enhance Water Conservation
- Restore forest-based water bodies and integrate watershed management with afforestation projects.
8. Promote Sustainable Tourism
- Regulate ecotourism to generate revenue while protecting forests.
Way Forward
- Addressing India’s forest fire crisis requires a holistic approach that combines community engagement, technological advancements, and strong regulatory frameworks to enhance forest resilience and sustainability.
Mains Answer Writing Practice Question
Reference:
- Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education Report on Forest Fire – Download PDF