Uttarakhand: There have been six reports of forest fires in the past 24 hours in Garhwal and Kumaon

Dehradun: Since the start of the forest fire season on February 15 of this year, Uttarakhand has seen 379 instances of forest fires, which have destroyed almost 440 hectares of forest lands. The state has had six active forest fires in the Garhwal and Kumaon divisions in the last 24 hours, resulting in the loss of 35 hectares of forest land.

Typically, forest fires happen between February and June.
Forest fire incidents are increasing as the state’s temperature rises. The majority of forest fire incidences happen in May and June, and reports of them are typically made between February and June. A dry period and an increase in temperature are the main causes of an increase in forest fire incidence. This year’s January saw a protracted dry season in the state, which led to several forest fire events even throughout the winter. Based on statistics from the forest department, there were about 106 instances of large-scale forest fires between January 1 and February 14.

What elements are involved in the occurrence of forest fires?
Forest fires have been occurring in Uttarakhand as a result of both natural and anthropogenic influences. The area sees increasing temperatures in the summer, which dry up fallen leaves and other forest detritus. Consequently, the heat and dry weather combine to produce an atmosphere where a single spark has the potential to grow into a large conflagration. Certain human actions also have some blame, such as slash-and-burn agriculture, in which farmers clear land by setting fire to bushes and trees, which unintentionally sparks forest fires. Moreover, burning trash or throwing out lighted cigarettes close to trees might start fires.

Why is the number of forest fire events in Uttarakhand rising?
More over 38,000 square kilometers, or 71% of Uttarakhand’s total land area, are covered by forests. Uttarakhand’s woods are particularly vulnerable to forest fires because of the abundance of pine trees there. Because these woods are home to mammals, insects, birds, and soil microorganisms, an increasing number of forest fire occurrences results in significant losses in biodiversity. In 2016, 4,538 hectares of woodland burned in the deadliest fire ever recorded, leaving seven people dead. Areas in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions are devastated; the worst-affected districts include Nainital, Almora, Tehri, and Pauri.

CM became aware of the increase in forest fire occurrences.
The Uttar Pradesh On Saturday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami called a review meeting of the state’s forest authorities and issued an order to put them on alert due to the increasing number of forest fire occurrences. During the discussion, he said that preventing forest fires should be a top priority and that any incidents should be handled quickly. He went on to say that forest authorities will be held responsible and that carelessness would not be accepted.