Addressing the Growing Threat of Forest Fires

Context

• Forest fires are a growing global crisis, exacerbated by human activities and climate change.
• Recent wildfires in Los Angeles have highlighted the devastating consequences of these disasters, bringing attention to the urgent need for preventive measures.
• However, such concerns often emerge only after significant loss of life, property, and biodiversity.
• In India, the issue is equally alarming, with a significant portion of the country’s forests prone to fires.

The Rising Threat of Forest Fires in India

• India’s forests, vital for biodiversity conservation and community livelihoods, are increasingly vulnerable to fires. Reports suggest that over 36% of the country’s forest cover is at risk.
• Alarmingly, incidents of forest fires have surged tenfold in the past two decades, even as overall forest cover has increased by a mere 1.12%.
• States such as Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Karnataka are among the worst affected, facing frequent and intense fires.
• Human activities are a primary cause of these fires, with nearly 90% attributed to practices such as land clearing, slash-and-burn agriculture, and unattended campfires.
• Climate change further worsens the situation, with rising temperatures and prolonged dry spells creating ideal conditions for wildfires to spread uncontrollably.

The Devastating Consequences of Forest Fires

• Environmental Damage
  • The loss of trees and biodiversity disrupts ecosystems and threatens endangered species.
  • Fires contribute significantly to carbon emissions, worsening global warming.
  • Indian forest fires alone release an estimated 69 million tonnes of CO₂ annually.
  • Degradation of soil fertility and disruption of the water cycle affect long-term environmental stability.
• Economic Losses
  • The destruction of timber and non-timber forest products affects communities reliant on forests for their livelihoods.
  • According to a 2018 report by India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, forest degradation, including fires, results in an annual economic loss of approximately ₹1.74 lakh crore.
• Social Disruptions
  • Fires force wildlife into human settlements, increasing human-animal conflicts.
  • Health hazards from smoke and air pollution exacerbate respiratory illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Existing Policies and Their Limitations

• Budget Constraints
  • The funding for Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme (FFPMS) has fluctuated significantly, affecting its ability to sustain long-term prevention programs.
  • For instance, allocations ranged from ₹46.40 crore in 2019-2020 to as low as ₹28.25 crore in 2022-2023, indicating inconsistent financial support.
• Technological Shortcomings
  • The Forest Fire Alert System struggles to differentiate between forest fires and other types of fires, leading to delays in response.
  • The lack of advanced predictive modelling and real-time data integration hampers early warning systems.

A Multi-Faceted Approach to Forest Fire Management

• Strengthening Financial and Policy Support
  • A steady and increased budget allocation for fire prevention schemes is essential.
  • Policies must prioritise long-term solutions, including afforestation and sustainable land management practices.
• Leveraging Technology for Early Detection and Response
  • Implementing predictive modelling using climatic and geographic data can help identify high-risk areas.
  • Drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras can assist in fire detection, damage assessment, and targeted firefighting efforts.
  • Data from agencies such as the Forest Survey of India, India Meteorological Department, and Indian Space Research Organisation should be integrated for better decision-making.
• Enhancing Community Involvement
  • Early warning systems can be strengthened by equipping local communities with mobile applications, toll-free helplines, and SMS-based reporting tools.
  • Self-help groups in states like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh already collect pine needles to reduce fire hazards; such initiatives can be expanded.
  • India can learn from international models such as Nepal’s Community Forest User Groups and Indonesia’s Fire-Free Village Program, where local communities actively participate in fire prevention efforts.
• Educating and Training Local Populations
  • Awareness campaigns can help change behaviours that contribute to fire risks.
  • Training local youth as forest fire scouts can create a dedicated workforce for early detection and prevention.

Conclusion

• Forest fires are not merely environmental disasters; they have profound social and economic consequences that demand urgent action.
• Addressing this issue requires collaboration between policymakers, scientists, civil society organisations, and local communities.
• From policy intervention and increased funding to technological advancements and community engagement, a multi-pronged strategy is necessary to mitigate the risk of wildfires.
• Only through proactive and sustained efforts can we hope to turn the tide and protect our forests, wildlife, and communities from the devastating impact of forest fires.

Q1. What percentage of India’s forest cover is prone to fires?

Ans.Over 36% of India's forest cover is at risk of forest fires.

Q2.  What is the primary cause of forest fires in India?

Ans. Nearly 90% of forest fires are caused by human activities such as land clearing and slash-and-burn agriculture.

Q3. How much CO₂ do Indian forest fires emit annually?

Ans. Indian forest fires emit approximately 69 million tonnes of CO₂ each year.

Q4. What is one major limitation of India's Forest Fire Alert System?

Ans. It cannot distinguish between forest fires and other types of fires, leading to response delays.

Q5. Name one international model India can learn from for community-based fire prevention.

Ans. India can learn from Nepal’s Community Forest User Groups or Indonesia’s Fire-Free Village Program. 

Source:The Hindu