CONTEXT – Forest fires recorded in Uttarakhand’s Nainital district

FREQUENCY AND FACTORS INFLUENCING FOREST FIRES IN INDIA:

• Seasonal Occurrence: Forest fire season in India spans from November to June, influenced by climatic factors.
• Contributing Factors:
  • Temperatures, precipitation patterns, vegetation types, and moisture levels impact fire scale and frequency.
  • Three key factors driving fire spread are fuel load, oxygen availability, and temperature.
• Fuel for Fires: Dry leaves and other combustible materials act as fuel for forest fires, escalating their intensity.
• Extent of Prone Areas:
  • Forest Survey of India (FSI) reports nearly 36% of India’s forests as prone to frequent fires.
  • Severe fires often occur in dry deciduous forests, while evergreen and montane temperate forests are less prone.
• Seasonal Peaks: Higher fire incidents are observed in March, April, and May due to increased availability of dry biomass post-winter.
• Vulnerable Regions: Northeastern states exhibit the highest tendency for forest fires, with areas in western Maharashtra, southern Chhattisgarh, central Odisha, and parts of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka also highly prone.
• Extreme Prone Zones: Approximately 4% of the country’s forest cover is extremely prone to fires, while 6% is very highly fire-prone, as per ISFR data.

CAUSES OF FOREST FIRES:

• Human Activities:
  • Changes in agriculture and unchecked land-use patterns contribute to most man-made fires.
  • Deliberate fires by locals, carelessness, farming-related activities, and illegal activities like poaching are common causes.
• Local Practices: Locals may set fires to promote the growth of quality grass, cover up illegal tree cutting, or aid in poaching, among other reasons.
• Electricity Friction: Friction of electricity cables with dry leaves can ignite wildfires, especially during dry seasons.
• Natural Causes: Lightning strikes are another natural cause of forest fires, particularly during thunderstorms.
• Legal Implications:
  • Setting forests on fire is a punishable offence under the Indian Penal Code.
  • However, identifying and prosecuting offenders can be challenging, leading to many cases remaining unresolved.

FOREST FIRE PREVENTION AND DOUSING METHODS:

• Early Detection and Monitoring:
  • Construction of watch towers for early detection of fires.
  • Deployment of fire watchers to patrol and spot fires in vulnerable areas.
• Community Involvement:
  • Engaging local communities in fire prevention and management efforts.
  • Encouraging awareness and training programs for community members.
• Creation of Fire Lines:
  • Establishing fire lines to contain and control the spread of fires.
  • Two types of fire lines: Kachha (covered) fire lines where undergrowth is removed, and Pucca (open) fire lines as clear-felled areas.
• Technological Solutions:
  • Utilizing satellite-based remote sensing technology and GIS tools for early warning systems.
  • Monitoring fires in real-time and estimating burnt areas using advanced technology.