Forest fires in Uttarakhand

Context

Recently, there was a massive forest fire in Nainital, Uttarakhand which devastated more than 140 hectares of land.

Key Highlights

• Forest fires in Uttarakhand have encompassed at least 140 hectares of the land and turned the ecosystem around and diversified animals into an ordeal.
• The Indian Air Force required the Mi-17 V5 helicopter to exhaust fire-fighting capabilities since it was given a ‘Bambi Bucket’ to combat the most pressing issue in addition to immediate relief actions.
• Now, the current situation is the worst one because nowadays more and more (hot spots) are found and last Saturday the number of incidents increased to 23. This means that the problem is still on the agenda.
• The Forest Department and Indian Army together mobilised themselves to put out the fires thus showcasing the teamwork between military and civil entities in establishing order.
• Local officials undertake preventive actions and impose bans to avert the gradual growth of the fire source, such as the prohibition of fishing in Naini Lake. And then, those responsible for the fire have been arrested and detained, leading to the recognition of the fact that such serious actions require remedies.

What is forest fire and its reason

• Nature of Forest Fires: Forest fires are bush fires that are not managed and the fuel they utilise is beautiful and can affect areas in different ways. It could be trees, vegetation and ecosystems.
• Factors Contributing to Forest Fires: Natural factors like unattended campfire, lightning strikes, and also deliberate arson on the other hand, unchecked human activities, dry hot conditions, strong winds and highly flammable materials create a favourable fire in the forest.
• Global Challenge: Accidental forest fire is an event that connects to severe environmental disruptions in landscapes and forests around the world.
• Causes of Human-Induced Fires: The Forest Research Institute conducted one research survey in 2019 that pointed out the fact that 95% of uncared forests were caused by human activities.
• Types and Geographic Distribution: The category of forest fires can be surface fires, ground fires, and crown fires. We find out that India witnesses a morass of forest fires in the North-Western Himalayas, North-East region, Central Ghats, and Western as well as Eastern Ghats which are associated with a variety of independent causes.

Forest Fire in Uttarakhand

• Massive forest fires in Uttarakhand have ravaged over 142 hectares of land, with 23 new fires reported on Saturday, adding to the 31 on Friday and 54 on Thursday. The Indian Air Force and Army have deployed resources, including a Mi-17 V5 helicopter and two columns for firefighting. 
• The Forest Department is coordinating efforts with multiple agencies and drawing water from Bhimtal Lake. All available resources are mobilised to contain fires nearing Nainital city, about 10 km away.

Conclusion

The devastation caused by forest fires in Uttarakhand, consuming over 140 hectares of land, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to mitigate the impact of such disasters. As one of the most ecologically sensitive regions in India, the loss of forest cover not only disrupts biodiversity but also exacerbates environmental degradation and contributes to climate change.

Source: livemint

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Discuss the causes, consequences, and management strategies of forest fires in Uttarakhand. Analyse the socio-economic and environmental implications of these fires, including their impact on biodiversity, livelihoods, and climate change.

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