Vishal Sarin/Shimla, May 28
This summer, the state is experiencing a harrowing reality as nearly 968 forest fires have ravaged our lands so far. As the rainy season is still at a distance, the primary victims remains mono-culture pine forests, which are left highly vulnerable due to a combination of prolonged dry spells and unfavourable climatic conditions. last year in summer season there were 103 fires reported whereas in 2022-23 a total of 760 fires were reported in summer season (Data from Fire incident reporting engine). Clearly the situation this year exposes either significant shortcomings within our forest management system or a extreme heatwave which has triggered the fire hazard?
Though we could not confirm the same, but seems that the forest department’s failure to implement basic preventive measures is glaring. Controlled burning of pine needles, clearing fire lines, and removing combustible materials are critical steps that may not have achieved 100 percent results. According to the department’s own fire manuals, these actions are essential to mitigate fire risks. However, normally the department fails to execute these measures completely, then largely blaming deteriorating climatic conditions and extended dry spells.
Annual plans to burn pine needles and maintain fire lines are lesser realized, allowing flammable materials to accumulate and turn our forests into tinderboxes. The controlled burning, which should occur every February, and the maintenance of fire lines seems to have been overlooked, directly contributing to the extensive fires. Despite having a forest working plan, the abundance of combustible material make controlling the fires an insurmountable task.
Adding to the complexity, water sources and bodies intended for firefighting run dry due to the drought-like conditions. Our state, with its 125,885 hectares of pine forests, is inherently vulnerable to fires. Experimental measures, such as deploying helicopters to douse fires, prove ineffective. Even the drones to extinguish fires were not seen anywhere this season, at least. The loss caused by pine needle fires, like every year remains unprecedented, exacerbated by the prolonged dry spell.
Despite early warnings and alerts issued to beat forest guards and field staff, the preventive efforts seem to be falling short. The department’s plan to convert pine needles into industrial by-products offers a glimmer of hope. Initiatives to set up units for manufacturing briquettes and blocks from pine needles, and training locals to utilize pine needle fiber for textiles, are commendable. However, the logistical challenges and costs associated with collecting and transporting pine needles remain significant obstacles.
Also read:Forest fires- Man-made disaster, managing plantation could quell them…
A retired forest official pointed out that the department’s readiness to prevent and combat fires are not enough. Despite having satellite-based monitoring systems and mapped fire-prone areas, the implementation of these resources remains inadequate. Fire watch towers, gang huts, and modern firefighting equipment remain underutilized. The failure to mobilize the field staff effectively and the lack of public awareness campaigns further compounds the problem.
Moving forward, it is imperative that the forest department enhances its preparedness and responsiveness. Field staff must be equipped with the necessary resources and mobility to tackle fires promptly. Non-cooperation from stakeholders should be met with penalties to ensure collective responsibility in fire prevention. The utility of helicopters in firefighting should not be dismissed due to cost concerns, as their ability to quickly contain and extinguish fires is invaluable.
Once again, the recent forest fires have underscored the urgent need for a proactive forest management system.
Preventive measures must be prioritized and executed with precision. With climate change exacerbating fire risks, our forest management strategies must evolve to protect our invaluable natural resources and safeguard the communities that depend on them.
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