Forest fires Across Himachal Pradesh

Key Takeaways

The prolonged dry spell coupled with unusually high temperatures in recent days has triggered many Forest fires in Himachal Pradesh, destroying several hectares of forest cover across many parts of the hill State.

According to government data, till April 28 this year, as many as 719 incidents of forest fires have been reported across the State, affecting close to 5,662 hectares under forest circles of Shimla, Chamba, Bilaspur, Dharamshala, Hamirpur, Kullu Mandi, Rampur, Nahan and the Great Himalayan National Park at Shamshi in the Kullu region. 

The estimated loss so far has been pegged at around ₹1.4 crore. In 2018-19, the State witnessed as many as 2,544 incidents while in 2019-20 the figure was down to 1,445. In 2020-21, there were 1,045 incidents and in 2021-22 as many as 1,275 fre instances were reported.

About Forest fires in India

• Causes of Forest fire

• Impact of Forest Fire
  • Fires rendered Several hectares of woodland worthless
  • intense heat from Wild fire destroyed several Animal habitats
  • Soil quality deteriorates as the composition of the soil changes.
  • Moisture and fertility in the soil are also influenced.
  • Forests have the ability to contract in size.
  • Trees that survive fire are frequently stunted, and their growth is severely hampered.
• Map showing fire prone forest areas under different fire prone classes(image source: identification of fire prone forest areas a report by forest survey of India)

Initiatives of the Government of India in Managing wild fires

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change issues advisories to State/UT Governments for taking effective steps for prevention and management of forest fires.
• Forest Survey of India, Dehradun, Broadcasts satellite based wild fires alerts on the location of wild fires to all State/UT Forest Department and other registered users through SMS and Email for taking effective steps
• Providing financial assistance under the Centrally Sponsored Forest Fire Prevention and Management (FPM) Scheme.

• Objectives:
  • To minimize wild fire incidence and assist in restoring productivity of forests in affected areas.
  • Institutionalize the partnership with forest fringe communities for forest protection.
  • To contribute to the larger goal of maintaining environmental stability.
  • For prepare a fire danger rating system and devise forest fire forecasting system.
  • To encourage the States/UTs for optimal use of modern technology (such as Remote Sensing, GPS, and GIS) in planning, developing and operationalizing fire prevention and management systems.
• Funding Pattern

Content Source: The Hindu

Also Read: Forest Fire in Kerala