The severe heat caused by rising temperatures this summer, coupled with the unprecedented drought following the monsoon failure in 2023, has highlighted the looming threat of forest fires in Karnataka’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries

FOREST FIRES

Forest fires, also known as wildfires, are uncontrolled fires that occur in forested areas, grasslands, or other wildlands

Causes of Forest Fires:

Natural Causes:

• Lightning strikes in dry conditions.
• Volcanic activity releasing hot materials.
• Spontaneous combustion of organic matter.

Human Causes:

• Unattended or improperly extinguished campfires.
• Burning debris without precautions.
• Carelessly discarded cigarettes.
• Arson for malicious or land-clearing purposes.
• Sparks from equipment like chainsaws and vehicles.

Climate and Weather Conditions:

• Drought leading to dry vegetation.
• High temperatures drying out plants.
• Strong winds spreading fires rapidly.

Fuel Availability:

• Dry vegetation acting as fuel for fires.
• Accumulation of fuel increasing wildfire risk.

Human Activities:

• Land clearing by burning vegetation.
• Industrial operations causing accidental fires.
• Recreational activities like fireworks and off-road vehicles.

SITUATION IN KARNATAKA

Overrun by lantana

• Bandipur and Nagarahole faced deadly fires in 2019 and 2012, devastating large forest areas.
• Over 60% of Bandipur’s 912.04 sq km park is overrun by lantana, a highly flammable plant.
• Lantana is inedible for herbivores and poses a severe fire risk akin to fuel in the forest.
• Authorities are on high alert due to the potential rapid spread of wildfires.
• The invasion of lantana threatens wildlife, habitat, and edible vegetation for herbivores.
• Biodiversity loss and habitat degradation are long-term concerns for the national park

Cascading effect

• Lack of forest fire prevention efforts can lead to diminished vegetation and fodder for herbivores.
• This can cause migration or decline in herbivore populations, affecting carnivores like tigers.
• Bandipur (912.04 sq km) and Nagarahole (847.98 sq km) are home to 376 tigers and other wildlife.
• Habitat imbalance from fires and lantana growth can threaten tiger populations in the long term

HOW TO TACKLE FOREST FIRES

Prevention:

• Implement strict fire bans during dry seasons and in high-risk areas.
• Educate the public about campfire regulations and proper cigarette disposal.
• Conduct controlled burns and manage vegetation to reduce fuel buildup.

Early Detection:

• Utilize advanced technologies like aerial surveillance and ground-based sensors.
• Establish a robust reporting system for prompt fire incident alerts.
• Train firefighters and forest personnel for quick response.

Effective Suppression:

• Mobilize firefighting resources swiftly, including personnel and equipment.
• Coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions for large-scale suppression efforts.
• Utilize fire retardants, water drops, and specialized techniques.

Community Involvement:

• Engage communities in creating defensible spaces and raising fire awareness.
• Conduct outreach programs to educate about responsible fire behavior.

Post-Fire Management:

• Assess fire impact on ecosystems, habitats, and water resources.
• Implement rehabilitation measures like reforestation and erosion control.
• Monitor post-fire conditions and wildlife recovery for long-term management.

Research and Innovation:

• Invest in new technologies and strategies for fire management.
• Collaborate with scientific institutions and industry partners for advancements.

WHAT IS KARNATAKA DOING

Early Preparation:

• Forest Department begins preparations in winter.
• Controlled burning creates fire lines along forest boundaries.
• Fire lines act as barriers to prevent wildfire spread between compartments.
• Bandipur’s fire line spans about 2,700 km; Nagarahole’s is 2,450 km.
• Outreach programs engage villagers on forest fringes in conservation efforts

Bandipur Yuva Mitra:

• Nature education program for students in Bandipur.
• Aims to sensitize them on environmental and conservation issues.
• Students trained as eco volunteers to assist during fire season.
• Emphasizes the importance of local community cooperation in fire prevention.
• Forest Department appoints fire watchers from local communities annually.
• Watchers receive free rations and daily wages, fostering goodwill and cooperation.

Use of Technology

• Technology complements traditional methods in fighting forest fires.
• Thermal drones provide aerial view and detect smoke for rapid response.
• Forest Survey of India sends satellite-based fire alerts via SMS and email.
• These initiatives help control fires at the initial stage, minimizing damage.
• Despite technological advancements, there’s no foolproof fire prevention mechanism.
• Recent incidents at BRT Tiger Reserve were swiftly controlled with minimal damage

Seasonal Waterholes:

• Most waterholes in Bandipur and Nagarahole dry up during peak summer.
• Forest Department installs solar-powered borewells to replenish waterholes.
• 47 solar pumps in Bandipur, 26 in Nagarahole, located in water-stressed zones and migration routes.
• Criticisms about upsetting natural selection countered by habitat loss compensation.
• Positive intervention reduces man-animal conflicts by preventing animals from entering human habitation.
• Perennial water sources like Kabini backwaters attract large animal congregations during summer.
• Reservoir water receding facilitates fresh grass growth, benefiting herbivores during heat and drought

NOTE : Guarding Forests Amidst Elections:

• Lok Sabha elections pose a challenge due to reduced staff availability for forest protection.
• Field staff and critical forest protection duties have been exempted from election duty in the past.
• Authorities anticipate a similar exemption from the Election Commission this time.
• Fire threat begins in February and lasts until pre-monsoon showers in April-May.
• Forest Department’s vigilance continues until rains intervene to mitigate fire risks.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the looming threat of forest fires in Karnataka’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries has been magnified by severe heat and drought conditions. The invasion of highly flammable lantana poses a significant risk to forest areas, wildlife habitats, and biodiversity. Tackling forest fires requires a multi-faceted approach involving prevention, early detection, effective suppression, community involvement, post-fire management, research, and innovation. Karnataka’s Forest Department has taken proactive steps such as early preparations, engaging youth in conservation efforts, leveraging technology for rapid response, addressing water scarcity for wildlife, and maintaining vigilance even during challenging periods like elections. However, continuous efforts and cooperation from all stakeholders are essential to mitigate the threat of forest fires and protect these invaluable natural ecosystems.