By Sohrab Sharma
ByMridula Sengar Sharma
“No time to grieve for roses when the forests are burning”
This renowned quotation by Zbigniew Herbert conveys his lamentation over forest fires. It is compatible with the current state of the woods in Uttarakhand. Situated in the lap of the Himalayas; Uttarakhand is a region known for its outstanding natural beauty and cultural abundance. The state has the famous Char Dham pilgrimage circuit, which includes Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. This circuit attracts devotees from over the globe who are in search of spiritual comfort among the magnificent Himalayan scenery. The region’s towering mountains, beautiful lakes, rushing rivers, and green valleys make it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike and this amazing scenery of the state attracts tourists from all over the world. The state’s abundant natural resources are being seriously threatened by both natural and anthropogenic calamities – forest fires are one of them. The forests of the state have been continuously burning since March. These fires, fuelled by dry weather conditions and human activities, pose a grave threat to the rich biodiversity and ecological balance of the region. Human activity is the primary cause of forest fires, as compared to natural disasters. According to research conducted in 2019 by the Forest Research Institute, which is part of India’s Environment Ministry, humans cause 95% of forest fires. Human activities, including illegal deforestation, agriculture, and tourism, have heightened the likelihood of forest fires. According to the state’s forest agency, many forest fires are a result of human irresponsibility, including the improper disposal of cigarette butts, sparks emitted by equipment, and unattended campfires.
The forests are not just trees, they are the lungs of our planet, they play an important role in maintaining air purity, climate regulation, and the preservation of animal habitats. The impact of these fires goes beyond the burned trees, it affects countless species of flora and fauna that call these forests home. Not only Uttarakhand but the whole globe is facing the problem of forest fires which is directly or indirectly destroying the natural wealth of the world. The total geographical area of Uttarakhand state is 53,483 square kilometres out of which 24,305 square kilometres are covered by forests according to 2021 statistics which is approximately 45.44% of the total geographical area. A forest fire not only damages natural resources but also put people’s lives in danger. Many people have lost their lives in forest fires in Uttarakhand. Local communities are also responsible for the occurrences of forest fire. As of April 25, the forest department of Uttarakhand recorded 146 instances of deliberately caused fire events. Three individuals were apprehended and incarcerated for allegedly igniting wildfires in Jakholi and Rudraprayag in Uttarakhand.
Government officials and higher authorities are doing their utmost to address the problem of wildfire. An Indian Air Force helicopter IAF MI-17 assisted in the ongoing firefighting efforts in Uttarakhand. According to Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Swapnil Anirudh, the IAF helicopter was used to extinguish the fire by collecting water from the Alaknanda River in a 5000 litre Bambi bucket and dropping it into the burning woods in Pauri district. The state’s Chief Secretary, Radha Raturi, directed forest department officials, police, and administration to enforce stringent measures against anyone responsible for causing fires in forests.
The state of Uttarakhand is prone to forest fires due to its rough mountainous topography and thick forest cover. The state often suffers hot, dry weather, particularly in the summer, which raises the possibility of forest fires. Many highly flammable trees and plants, like banj oak (Quercus leucotrichophora) and chir pine (Pinus roxburghii), are found in Uttarakhand’s forests. These species may spread fire quickly and readily because to their sticky resinous wood and dry leaves.
Experts believe that forest fires may have major negative effects on, both, human health and the ecosystem. Some of the key consequences include Respiratory problems, Cardiovascular diseases, Mental health impacts. Environmental damages include Habitat destruction, Soil erosion, Water pollution, Climate change, Poor quality of air, etc.
Urgent solutions are required to prevent the depletion of natural capital, specifically forests.
Teach people in the area about how forest fires start, how dangerous they are, and how to stop it. Get them involved in protecting forests and teaching them how to handle it in a way that doesn’t harm it. Launch public awareness efforts by different media platform to make more people aware of how important it is to stop forest fires and encourage people to behave responsibly in the woods. Clearing plants from firebreaks will stop fires from spreading. Controlled burning should be done during the cooler months to keep dry plants from building up and starting wildfires. Maintain and build roads, fire trails, and entry places in wooded areas so that fire departments can get there faster. Give firefighters up-to-date tools for fighting fires and train them regularly to improve their abilities in controlling and putting out fires.
Encourage government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), local groups, and business partners to work together to create complete plans for preventing and managing wildfires.
A call to action for Uttarakhand and beyond can be found among the ashes and burned pieces. As the last flames of yet another terrible forest fire dies down, let us not only mourn the loss but also make a promise to protect our woods. Through cautious actions and steadfast dedication, we can make sure that the green hills of Uttarakhand will be able to withstand future fires. Because every fire has a spark of hope for a better, greener tomorrow.
(Sohrab Sharma is a Research Scholar in the Department of Sociology and Social Work at HNBGU. Prof Mridula Sengar Sharma is Professor and Head, Department of Sociology, at DAV (PG) College Dehradun)