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.