Growing threat of forest fires:
- Forest fires are a global and national concern, often receiving attention only after significant incidents, such as the recent wildfires in Los Angeles.
- In India, 36% of forest cover is prone to fire, with incidents increasing tenfold in the last two decades, exacerbated by climate change and human activities.
Relevance : GS 3(Disaster Management)
Human-induced causes of forest fires:
- 90% of forest fires are caused by human activities: land clearing, slash-and-burn agriculture, and unattended campfires.
- Rising temperatures and extended dry spells further amplify the risk and intensity of forest fires.
Consequences of forest fires:
- Environmental impact: Loss of biodiversity, wildlife, and trees; disruption to soil fertility, water cycles, and human-wildlife conflicts.
- Economic losses: Forest fires emit 69 million tonnes of CO2 annually, contributing to climate change. Forest degradation costs India ₹1.74 lakh crore annually.
- Social impact: Communities dependent on forests lose access to timber and non-timber forest products, affecting their livelihoods.
Existing policies and schemes:
- India has the National Action Plan on Forest Fires and the Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme (FFPMS) to enhance fire management.
- However, funding for these schemes has been inconsistent, underscoring the need for more stable financial backing.
Challenges in forest fire management:
- The Forest Fire Alert System is unable to differentiate between forest and other fires, delaying responses.
- Limited technological tools, such as predictive modelling and real-time monitoring, hinder efficient fire management.
Technological solutions and advancements:
- Advanced predictive modelling can help identify high–risk areas for forest fires based on climate and geographic data.
- Drones with thermal imaging could monitor fire-prone areas, assess damage, and guide firefighting efforts, with successful pilot projects in Tamil Nadu and Odisha.
- Data integration from the Forest Survey of India, IMD, and ISRO could enhance fire predictions and management.
Empowering local communities:
- Local communities in fire–prone areas should be trained to collect and share real-time fire data via mobile apps, SMS-based systems, and toll-free helplines.
- Community initiatives, like those in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, can be expanded across India, where self-help groups collect pine needles to reduce fire risks.
- Empowering women and youth as ‘forest fire scouts’ and combining local knowledge with modern tools like fire risk mapping can strengthen community-driven fire prevention.
Need for a holistic approach:
- Addressing forest fires requires collaboration among policymakers, scientists, civil society groups, and local communities.
- A multi–dimensional approach, involving infrastructure improvement, consistent funding, technology adoption, community empowerment, and policy intervention, is essential for effective forest fire management.
