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Forests are considered as lifeline of the human civilization . These lifelines are disturbing greatly by wildfire which is destroying it than any other natural or man made disasters. Recent the fire in forests of Himachal and Uttrakhand and its uncontrolled nature is definitely a sign of worry . It is not only impacting the wildlife, but disturbing the whole balance in forest ecosystem.
Incidences of Forest fires: In terms of the incidences of forest fires, this year is particularly bad. According to data from the environment ministry, a total of 18,451 incidents of forest fires were reported from across the country in 2013, compared with 19,054 in 2014 and 15,937 in 2015. This year has seen a jump, with at least 20,667 fires already reported as on 21 April. In December 2015, the environment ministry released the India State of Forest Report. According to the report, India’s forest cover is 701,673 sq. km which is about 21.34% of the country. As per the Forest Survey of India data, almost 50% of India’s forest areas are fire prone but this does not mean that fires affect 50% of the country’s area annually. The major forest fire season in the country varies from February to June. Reports have estimated that about 6.17% of Indian forests are subjected to severe fire damage annually.
Reasons behind forest fire High inflammable nature of wood The major reasons for forest fires in Uttarakhand are the highly inflammable material of dry chir pine needles and the dry-leaf litter of broad-leaved trees on the forest floor associated with chir pine. Chir pine covers a significant forest area (about 16%) in the state and, every year, encroaches on the mixed species area due to its hardy nature as well as the ban on green felling above 1,000 metres. Migration of Villagers Mass migration of villagers is also to be blamed. In recent years, migration from the state has leaving more fuel for forest fires. Himalayan forests are spread over difficult and inaccessible terrain, which forest officials cannot access without the help of locals. It’s difficult even for the forest department to cope with the situation. Also, migration of villagers are also resulting in the intrusion of outsiders whose main motive is to capture land for their farmhouse or hotels. In their process to clear land they usually use fire as their tool. Less rainfall Scant rains, with a dry spell in winter, El Nino and climate warming have also led to early forest fires. High atmospheric temperatures and dryness offer favourable conditions for a fire to start. In many forest ecosystems, reduced precipitation before and during the dry season can reduce fuel moisture and lower humidity near the surface, allowing fires to more easily escape from human control, and spread more rapidly over the landscape. Land Mafia The mafia is allegedly in cahoots with Forest Development Corp. officials, as the latter sells trees via auction, no matter that they are dead or dried up. As thousands of trees have been burnt, selling them would bring huge revenue to the corporation and benefit the mafia that would buy them. Land cleared can be sold in land transfer cases, which also suits builders. Natural causes Natural fires are generally started by lightning, with a very small percentage started by spontaneous combustion of dry fuel such as sawdust and leaves. Some time Hot burning lava, from volcanic eruptions, also causes wildfires.
Effects of Wildfires
Measures to prevent Forest Rain: Pine trees The pine needles, the main fire hazard, need to be converted into a resource for the community by extending capital, technological and industrial support for their effective utilisation and as a livelihood opportunity. They can be used in briquettes, compost, boards, tiles, etc. Creation of Forest Self help group Some of the measures can be tried through the creation of forest self-help groups (FSHGs) or local forest special purpose vehicle (FSPV) — with an industrial linkage to the removal of dry needles with the help of villagers for making bio-briquettes, compost or vermicompost, composite boards, panels, etc. This activity can also be linked with employment generation schemes like MGNREGA, Skill India and Make in India, as well as women’s empowerment schemes. This will provide a double benefit — removing the pine needles from the forest and generating employment and incomes. It’s a bio-fuel and bio-energy resources are always welcome. Control migration Migration is an indirect issue that needs to be addressed to control forest fires. The willingness of local village communities to stay in the state can be strengthened by an assurance of employment and basic facilities like healthcare, education and communication. They can be motivated by nature-related activities with a market tag, for example, organic crops and products like millets, milk, mushrooms, fruits, colourants, fibres, etc. All these activities make people vigilant and also protect their surroundings. Forest fighting staff The forest department needs to exclusively recruit forest-fire-fighting staff acquainted with modern technologies. Modern fire-fighting techniques like the Early Forest Fire Detection Using Radio-Acoustic Sounding System, Doppler radar, etc can also be used. Plantation techniques There can be other approaches to reducing the fire hazard in the monoculture/ pure chir pine forest, like the inclusion or plantation of indigenous broad-leaved, moisture-conserving species, particularly banj oak, Myrica, Alder, Rhododendron, etc at higher elevations and sal, khair, Harad, Baheda, Arjun, sissoo, etc at lower elevations. The selection of species must be done after understanding the local ecology and public needs. Besides, it’s necessary to strictly follow scientific and advanced borehole methods for resin extraction. Scientific approaches Modern fire-fighting techniques like the Early Forest Fire Detection Using Radio-Acoustic Sounding System, Doppler radar, etc can also be used. Further, the use of modern forest fire detection and monitoring systems with help from the Forest Survey of India (FSI) and Isro, as well as creating awareness among locals along with their participation, can be a better solution. Pre-emptive approach National Disaster Management Act came into force in 2005, followed by the setting up of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and subsequently the National Policy on Disaster Management in 2009, the government's approach to calamities has been reactive — rather than pre-emptive — and even then the responses are mostly knee-jerk. Participatory approach A participatory approach is key to success in all initiatives, which reflects on joint forest management (JFM) areas by strengthening JFM committees. Similar approaches are needed in strengthening van panchayats and other local bodies. Proper communication Communication — via print or electronic media, social media, community radio, Doordarshan — can also boost public awareness and action. Communication measures should be activated at the start of summer and some reward and recognition should be announced to motivate locals. This job can only be done with the active participation of local communities who need to be trained, equipped, authorized and supervised by local staff of the forest department. In the US and Canada, specialised aerial fire-fighting aircraft are used to drop water, foam- and gel-based water enhancers, and other fire retarders. Hence, provision of helicopter-squads and watch towers would certainly help, especially during a crisis.
By: Vishal ProfileResourcesReport error
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