Fire Engulfs Parts of Reserve Forest Near Kodaikanal
- A forest fire has engulfed parts of the Thogaivarai reserve forest near Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu.
- The fire that began on Thursday night in the Manjur forest area has still not been contained.
- The extent of the fire or its cause is still unknown. Around 100 frontline forest staff and firefighters are working to put out the flames.
Full Answer
Are forest fires on the rise in India?
A study released by the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) on Thursday, 8 April, found that there had been a ten-fold increase in forest fires in the past two decades. It also said that more than 62 percent of Indian states were prone to high-intensity forest fires.
What causes forest fires in Uttarakhand and Nepal?
Authorities in Uttarakhand and Nepal have said several forest fires have been caused by stubble burning in agricultural lands adjoining forests. But experts say the problems are not just limited to the weather and stubble burning.
What is the history of forest fire alert system in India?
Using satellit e detection, the forest fire alert system was first introduced in India in 2007 - 2008. Madhya Pradesh ( Central Cluster) pioneered through SMS text alerts (FAMS). After undergoing a si gnificant number of year 2019. This system is based on collaborative arrangements between NASA - Survey of India) (Forest Survey of India, 2011a).
Did heat wave trigger forest fires in Pune?
In Pune district, Velhe, Paud and Junnar forest divisions were alerted to spots in their jurisdictions for small and large fires in the last three days, Forest Survey of India data showed. An FSI official said, "The ongoing heat wave could have provided a trigger for such fires.
When are fires most common in India?
In India, forest fires are most commonly reported during March and April. This is when the ground has large quantities of dry wood, logs, dead leaves, stumps, dry grass and weeds.
When do forest fires occur in Uttarakhand?
April-May is the season when forest fires take place in various parts of the country. But forest fires have been more frequent than usual in Uttarakhand and have also taken place during winter. Dry soil caused by a weak monsoon is being seen as one of the causes.
How does a forest fire affect the ecosystem?
Fires render several hectares of forest useless and leave behind ash, making it unfit for any vegetation growth. Heat generated during the fire destroys animal habitats.
What is the name of the satellite that identifies fire hotspots?
In its advanced version launched in January 2019, the system now uses satellite information gathered from NASA and ISRO. Real-time fire information from identified fire hotspots is gathered using MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) sensors (1km by 1km grid) and electronically transmitted to FSI.
Why do trees go up in flames?
This is when the ground has large quantities of dry wood, logs, dead leaves, stumps, dry grass and weeds. These can make forests easily go up in flames if there is a trigger. Under natural circumstances, extreme heat and dryness, friction created by rubbing of branches with each other also likely initiate fire.
How do forests help the climate?
Forests play an important role in mitigation and adaptation to climate change. They act as a sink, reservoir and source of carbon. A healthy forest stores and sequesters more carbon than any other terrestrial ecosystem. In India, notably, 1.70 lakh villages are in close proximity to forests (Census 2011).
How many forest fires have happened in Uttarakhand?
Uttarakhand has witnessed over 1,000 incidents of forest fire over a six months period. With increasing frequency of forest fires in India, here is a look at the various aspects of it. What is the recent flare?
Where are forest fires in India?
image caption. Forest fires in some parts of northern India have been the strongest in one and a half decades. The lush-green mountains in the background usually make the famous Nainital lake in Uttarakhand state of northern India more picturesque. But for several weeks now haze from forest fires has hidden the mountains, ...
How many forests are prone to fires in India?
An analysis done by the Forest Survey of India in 2019 showed that nearly 36% of the country's forests are prone to fires and nearly one third of that is highly vulnerable.
How many forest fires are there in Nepal?
At one point last month, around 500 forest fires were recorded in Nepal. Its air quality has remained at hazardous levels for several days now. Some of the Himalayan nation's forests and national parks adjoin India's forested and protected areas which means that fires can spread both ways.
Why are local communities protesting in India?
Local communities in different forested areas of India have protested, arguing their rights to forest lands and other resources have been undermined and violated by conservation policies. Authorities say they are protecting forests as per the law.
Is a forest fire a natural disaster?
India's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has not recognised forest fires as natural hazards. On its website, it has listed cyclone, tsunami, heatwave, landslide, floods and earthquakes under such category. An analysis done by the Forest Survey of India in 2019 showed that nearly 36% of the country's forests are prone to fires ...
Can local communities help with fires?
Local communities' help. Experts said local communities living within or nearby forests could help in putting fires out to a great extent but that is not happening. "That is because there is a serious trust deficit between these communities and the forest administrations of the states," said Mr Pathak.
Abstract and Figures
A forest fire has become extreme and has increased in frequency worldwide with India being no exception. In view of this, the present-day knowledge about the forest fire condition in India has been reviewed. The forest cover in India is divided into four clusters namely North Himalayan, North-Eastern, Southern, and Central.
References (76)
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Why are forest fires a global issue?
Forest fires have been a local issue with global impact, which may happen more frequently than the recent past due to impact of rising temperature and global warming. Most of the forest fires in Indian States are anthropogenic in nature. Changes in the attitudes and actions of individuals, stakeholder groups, the private sector, and governments are required for action and implementation of sustainable forest fire prevention policies. Prevention of forest fire will require long term coordinated efforts by public and private authorities with robust planning and informed policy implementation.
How does fire affect the forest ecosystem?
Fire has been a major influencing factor on the development and management of many of the world's forests. Some forest ecosystems have evolved in response to frequent fires from natural causes, but most others are susceptible to the effects of wild fire. Forest fire may be defined as an unclosed and freely spreading combustion that consumes the natural fuels. When a fire burns out of control it is known as Wild Fire1.