Many fold rise in intense forest fires in India
According to a study, it has been found that in the last two decades there has been a huge increase in the incidence and intensity of forest fires.
Recently, ‘Council for Energy, Environment and Water’ (CEEW) has released a study report named ‘Managing Forest Fires in Changing Climate’.
Key findings of the study:
- More than 75% of Indian districts in the country are hotspots with extreme climatic events. While 30% of the districts are hotspots for extreme forest fires.
- The incidents of forest fires have increased 10 times in the last two decades.
- Among the Global South countries, India is the second most vulnerable country in terms of forest fires.
- Mizoram has recorded the highest number of forest fires during the last two decades.
- 89% of extreme hotspot districts in terms of forest fires are mainly located in drought-prone hotspot areas
- Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Maharashtra are the most vulnerable states to high intensity forest fire events due to rapid climate change.
- Recently, the fire in Rajasthan’s Sariska Tiger Reserve was unseasonal. Also, the high temperature caused the fire to spread more quickly.
Recommendations:
- Forest fire needs to be recognized as a type of disaster. At the same time, it also needs to be integrated into national, sub-national and local disaster management plans.
- There is a need to develop a warning system related to forest fires. It will issue real time impact based warnings. Adaptability should be increased. Shelters with clean air should be created.
Source – The Hindu
