Worsening Wildfires

Context: India’s low forest cover (less than the ideal case of 1/3^rd of total geographic area) and worsening wildfires warrants for ramping up of fire fighting capabilities.

Worsening wildfires in India: According to the Forest Survey of India, there is an upswing in forest fires.

• Increased frequency of forest blazes: Around 30,000 jungle fires were recorded across the country in 2019.
• Increased vulnerable area: Two-third of the country’s forests is now vulnerable to fires. 

Factors responsible for the upswing in forest fires

• Human factors:
  • Deliberately setting up fires by the locals: To cover up the illegal felling of trees, to facilitate the emergence of fresh grasses of good quality, or to spite forest officials for personal grudges.
  • Accidental instances: Due to carelessness in handling forest products, farming-related activities etc.
• Natural factors: Global warming-induced changes in climate, thunder, lightning, and fallen leaves and twigs being served as fuel for starting fires.

Way forward

• Take routine precautions: like removal of dry leaves, putting up firebreaks by creating tree-free belts of suitable width and digging customary water-charging holes.
• Create a forest fire-fighting wing of the National Disaster Response Force:  That helps to build up the needed expertise and skills and acquire necessary wherewithal, including water dispensing gear, to put out fires.
• Implement the concept of joint-forest management: By Involving local tribes in the upkeep and management of forests instead of alienating them (i.e. turning predators into protectors).