Why are wildfires raging in Uttarakhand and what can be done to stop it?

DEHRADUN: Forest fires in Uttarakhand have been a recurring problem, especially during the months between Feb to June when the weather is dry and hot during the daytime.

One of the major reasons for a blaze to erupt in the jungle landscape is lack of moisture. The dry leaves, pine needles, and other flammable materials present on the forest bed serve as fuel for the fires.Another significant reason, in fact the cause of over 90% of fires, is human activity. Locals sometimes set fire to the grass to clear the area for agriculture or to stimulate fresh grass growth for grazing animals. However, these fires can quickly get out of control and spread. Additionally, campers and tourists may inadvertently start fires by being careless with lit cigarettes or bonfires.

Natural factors also play a role. Lightning strikes can ignite fires in remote areas. The changing climate patterns, leading to hotter and drier weather, have also contributed to the increase in forest fires. The topography of Uttarakhand, with 70% forest cover, can make fires spread more quickly and complicate firefighting efforts. Although the forest department has initiated measures like controlled burning and use of fire lines, which are gaps in vegetation that act as barriers to stop the spread of fire, experts say that more proactive measures are needed to stop the spread of fires before the situation goes out of hand. They advocate for better equipment and training for firefighting besides satellite monitoring and early warning systems. Also, environmentalists believe that the role of local communities is crucial in watching out for forest fires and dousing them as first-responders.

“It is high time to involve members of the gram panchayats and van panchayats in protecting our forests by providing them jobs under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). Let the villagers protect the forests near where they live. They would be happy to do it, especially in Uttarakhand, where women tie threads to trees, embracing them like children. If these people can be provided some compensation for their efforts by the govt, we are confident they would be able to manage the situation really effectively,” said Suresh Bhai, founder of Himalaya Bachao Abhiyan, an environmental NGO.