Forest Fire in Himalayas
Source: Down To Earth
GS III: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Overview
- News in Brief
- Data from the Forest Survey of India (FSI)
- About Forest Fires
- How does India fight against Forest Fires?
Why in the News?
Forest fire incidents have increased seven times this year; there have been 2,050 incidents in 3 months, data shows
News in Brief
- It is surreal as one can see smoke plumes everywhere.
- This may be a common sight in the plains during the stubble-burning season in autumn.
- But seeing this in the mountains at this time is a completely new experience.
- Forest fires have a damaging impact on forest biodiversity and soil.
- Thousands of hectares of forests as well as dozens of houses have been burnt to the ground in these fires.
- Incidents have been reported from all districts of the state, with major fires in Kinnaur, Manali, Kullu, Chamba and Shimla in the last three weeks.
Data from the Forest Survey of India (FSI)
- There have been 2,050 incidents of forest fires between October 16, 2023 and January 16, 2024.
- There were just 296 incidents of forest fires during the same period last year.
- Himachal reported 123 major fire incidents during the winter of 2022-2023.
- Uttarakhand was second, Andhra Pradesh third and Jammu and Kashmir fourth.
- Some 15 per cent of Himachal’s 37,033 square kilometres of forest area is covered with chir pine, an extremely fire-prone and flammable type of tree.
- Himachal, there has been a 100 per cent rainfall deficit in January, according to the meteorological department.
About Forest Fires
Forest fires, also known as wildfires or wildland fires, are uncontrolled fires that spread rapidly through vegetation in forests, grasslands, and other natural landscapes.
- These fires can cause significant damage to ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and human structures.
- There are several reasons for the occurrence of forest fires, and they can be categorized into natural and human-caused factors.
What is the reason for the Forest Fire?
- Natural Causes
- Lightning Strikes: Lightning is a common natural ignition source for wildfires. When lightning strikes dry vegetation, it can ignite a fire that quickly spreads through the surrounding area.
- Volcanic Activity: Volcanic eruptions can release hot lava and ash that can start fires in nearby vegetation.
- Human Causes
- Campfires: Improperly extinguished or unattended campfires and barbecues can spark wildfires, especially in dry conditions.
- Discarded Cigarettes: Carelessly discarded cigarette butts in dry vegetation can lead to fires.
- Burning Debris: Uncontrolled burning of yard waste, agricultural debris, or other materials can escalate into wildfires.
- Arson: Deliberate setting of fires by individuals for various reasons, such as vandalism, revenge, or for personal satisfaction.
- Equipment and Machinery
- Sparks from Equipment: Sparks generated by equipment such as chainsaws, grinders, or vehicles in areas with dry vegetation can ignite fires.
- Power Lines: Electrical lines and equipment can cause wildfires if they malfunction or if power lines come into contact with vegetation.
- Drought and Dry Conditions
- Prolonged periods of drought or dry weather create conditions where vegetation becomes highly flammable.
- Lack of moisture in the soil and plants contributes to the rapid spread of wildfires.
- Winds
- Strong winds can carry embers over long distances, allowing fires to quickly jump from one area to another.
- Wind-driven wildfires are often more challenging to control.
- Climate Change
- Changes in climate patterns, including rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns, can contribute to more frequent and intense wildfires.
Issues related to Forest Fires
- Loss of Biodiversity
- Forest fires can lead to the destruction of habitats, causing the loss of plant and animal species.
- Some species may not be able to escape fast-moving fires, resulting in population declines or local extinctions.
- Air Quality
- Large-scale forest fires release significant amounts of smoke, particulate matter, and pollutants into the air.
- This can have serious implications for air quality, leading to respiratory problems and other health issues for both humans and wildlife.
- Carbon Emissions
- Forest fires release large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
- This contributes to climate change by adding to the concentration of greenhouse gases and exacerbating global warming.
- Soil Erosion
- The intense heat from forest fires can destroy vegetation and the organic layer of soil, making it more susceptible to erosion.
- This can result in mudslides and the loss of fertile topsoil, impacting the health of the ecosystem.
- Water Quality
- Ash and debris from forest fires can contaminate water sources, affecting water quality.
- Increased runoff and erosion can also lead to sedimentation in rivers and streams, negatively impacting aquatic ecosystems.
- Displacement of Wildlife
- Animals may be forced to flee their habitats due to the rapid spread of fires.
- This displacement can lead to conflicts with humans, as wildlife may enter populated areas in search of food and shelter.
- Loss of Timber Resources
- Forest fires can destroy valuable timber resources, impacting the forestry industry and local economies that depend on these resources.
- Economic Costs
- The suppression and recovery efforts for large-scale forest fires can be expensive.
- Additionally, communities affected by wildfires may experience economic losses due to damage to infrastructure, homes, and businesses.
- Fire Safety Department report says 369 incidents of fire in Himachal fires caused damages to the tune of Rs 10 crore.
- Human Health Impacts
- The smoke and air pollution generated by forest fires can pose serious health risks, especially for individuals with respiratory conditions.
- Evacuations and property loss can also take a toll on the mental and emotional well-being of affected communities.
- Infrastructure Damage
- Forest fires can damage or destroy infrastructure such as homes, roads, power lines, and communication systems.
- Rebuilding and repairing these structures can be costly and time-consuming.
How does India fight against Forest Fires?
The frequency of forest fire incidents in India has increased by 52% in the last two decades, from 2000 to 2020, according to a 2021 analysis by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water.
The National Action Plan on Forest Fire
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has prepared a National Action Plan on Forest Fire to minimize forest fires started in 2018.
- Actions by informing, enabling and empowering forest fringe communities.
- incentivizing these communities to work in tandem with the Forest Departments.
Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme (FPM)
- Government-sponsored programme dedicated to assisting states in dealing with forest fires.
- It replaced the Intensification of Forest Management Scheme (IFMS) in 2017.
- Funds allocated under the FPM are according to a center-state cost-sharing formula.
- 90:10 ratio of central to state funding in North East and Western Himalayan regions.
- 60:40 ratio for other states.
- Funds are used for
- Creation and maintenance of fire lines
- Construction of water conservation structures
- Procurement of firefighting equipment
- Awareness creation
- Incentivizing villages/communities for protection against forest fire etc.
Forest Survey of India
- The Forest Survey of India (FSI) is under the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests.
- Established on 1 June 1981.
- It is responsible for the assessment and monitoring of the forest resources of the country regularly.
- Also engaged in providing the services of training, research and extension.
- Major Activities
- Forest Cover Assessment
- Inventory of Forest areas
- Inventory of Trees Outside Forests (Rural & Urban)
- Inventory data processing
- Methodology Design
- Training and Extension
- Projects and Consultancies
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