Sunday, Jan 19, 2025 13:30 [IST]
Last Update: Sunday, Jan 19, 2025 07:58 [IST]
It is known to everyone that for sustainable development and very survival of mankind, minimum 33 % forest cover is required. It is not so in many countries. India ,once upon a time had reasonably good forest cover but it went down over the years due to myriad types of biotic interferences. As a result of renewed emphasis ,followed by many focused drives, now it has become 27 %. However, it is still far behind expectation. If some portion of it gets lost or degraded every now and then due to fires, it will take years to recoup the same.
Lowered Soil Moisture
Lowered soil moisture creates what is known as a vapour pressure deficit. When the air is not saturated, it sucks out moisture from plants as well.That in turn leaves the vegetarion even drier.Then there is El Nino(unusually warm Ocean temperature that affects climate) that adds to dryness and heat. In such a situation, even a Cigarette Butt thrown carelessly can lead to a large forest fire. Now I understand, why notices discouraging this bad habit were displayed prominently in dry Zones of West and South Sikkim forests, whenever I would tour the area.
Care Needed In Summer
Forest fires mostly happen in dry Summer months. Vegetation becomes dry due to reduced winter precipitation.These are, however, noticed rather late. As per experts, heat waves have contributed to rising fire incidents across India. In 2023, country experienced some of its worst heat waves on record since 1901,with temperature in parts of country even touching 45 degrees.This year IMD has already declared multiple heatwave, with New Delhi to record temperature as high as 52.9 degrees in May, resulting in more than 100 people dead.
Man Made Fires
Many forest fires are man made. Those who enter forest to collect some fire wood also get involved sometimes. People get arrested but situation does not change.Let us not forget that forest was not always this much dry. Locals and animal herders are often seen to burn the stubble that remains on ground after harvesting of grain. Devastation caused on account of air pollution in Delhi and NCR due to stubble burning for two and a half months in neighbouring states for atleast 5 to 6 years in a row, has already caused upmteen worries and national debate. Dry grass is also burnt in the grasslands that dry out in Summer and villagers set fire to the husks hoping to grow more lush pastures for their animals. Increase in heat thus adds to the challenges that officials face in controlling wild fires.Human activities alongwith worsening and changing climate patterns make for a fatal combination.
Role Of Rainfall
Without rain, humanity can not survive. Excessive rain ,however, leads to flood and landslides impacting the area for a long period.
Less of rain also becomes problematic as rain very much serves as a Fire Extinguisher.Thus good rain saves a good deal of human effort, which can be used for many productive activities. Insignificant rainfall for a long period too does not help.
Fire Prone Zone
Such zones are made abundantly prominent in all the states, based on past experiences. According to Forest Survey of India, nearly 10.66 % of India's forest cover is under extremely to very highly Fire-prone Zone.Human activities alongwith worsening heat and changing climate patterns make for a fatal combination. Fires are very common in Pine forests during hot and dry months. Air gets heavier with smoke leading to burning of eyes. Breathing also gets affected, at times.
Fires In All Hill States
Hundreds of large fires have ravaged forest in the states of Uttarakhand, H.P., J& K, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh,Telengana and West Bengal. Construction of hydel projects and wide roads too leads to destruction of forest.Dangerous and strong winds also aid and abate the inferno.Winds also weaken at times to pick up speed again. Frequency and intensity of fires have worsened in recent years.These are getting closer to established human settlements.When it happens, panicked villagers mobilise themselves and they begin to beat down the fire. But you can't throw a bucket of water on a burning tree.If it is a Pine tree, they secrete Resin which is used to make Turpentine. As it is highly flammable, people need to exercise utmost care.
Atleast 1,313 large fires have ravaged the hilly state of Uttarakhand.With high intensity winds shifting fast, issue becomes grave.Since a lot of trees are of Pine, these are highly inflammable.These factors contribute to fire spreading faster and also it becomes very challenging to control. These fires have damaged nearly 1100 hectares(2718 acres) of land already. In this context, just think about much larger areas affected by devastating forest fires in Los Angeles at the moment or in Australia and a few European countries in the past.
Climate Change
Climate change predictions are inadequate in helping countries like India to prepare for such calamities. It should be necessary to know about change in climate in advance to plan actions ahead of time.
While ignition of a wild fire can be deliberate ,they are natural and a vital part of an environment's life cycle. Since many of the fires are man made or man created, more efforts are needed for raising level of awareness. Improved forest conservation would help alongwith minimizing activities ,such as, stubble burning.When it comes to a conflict between humans and animals ,human interests mostly take precedence.It should not be. One should not forget that it is our bounden duty to look after forest, its exotic flora and the wild life therein.
(Alok k.Shrivastava)
