Increasing Frequency of Forest Fires
Forest fires are becoming more frequent globally, including in India, where over 36% of the country's forest cover is prone to fire.
In the last two decades, forest fire incidents have increased tenfold, while forest cover has only increased by 1.12%.
Human activities, such as land clearing and slash-and-burn agriculture, alongside climate change, are major contributors to the rise in fires.
Consequences of Forest Fires
Forest fires result in the loss of biodiversity, wildlife, and trees, contributing significantly to carbon emissions (69 million tonnes of CO2 annually in India).
The economic losses from forest degradation are estimated at ₹1.74 lakh crore annually.
They disrupt the water cycle, degrade soil fertility, and exacerbate human-wildlife conflicts as animals flee to human settlements.
Challenges in Fire Management
India has policies in place for forest fire management, but funding and resources remain inconsistent, with fluctuating budgets for fire prevention schemes.
The current Forest Fire Alert System lacks precision, and more advanced technology like drones and predictive modeling is needed to monitor and manage fires effectively.
Local communities play a critical role, but more resources and training are needed to empower them to respond quickly and report fires in real-time.
A Robust Response and Solutions
More consistent funding and technological advancements, including integrating data from various agencies (e.g., ISRO, IMD), are needed for effective fire management.
Empowering local communities through awareness programs, training, and resources, as well as learning from international models like Nepal’s and Indonesia’s, can help in managing forest fires.
A collaborative effort from policymakers, scientists, and communities is essential to tackle forest fires and their environmental, societal, and economic impacts.
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