Why do forests catch fire? Forest fires in India has increased!
The incidence of forest fires is becoming a serious challenge in India. Such fires also cause a lot of damage to the environment. In the last 20 years, the forest areas of india have increased by 1.12 percent, but the number of fire incidents has increased by 10 times. This figure has emerged as a serious crisis not only in terms of environment but also for the economy. It is estimated that 36 percent of the forest areas of india are prone to fire, which can cause a loss of up to Rs 1.74 lakh crore every year.
Why do forests catch fire?
1-The biggest reason behind these incidents is climate change, human activities and lack of a strong structure to deal with fire. Temperature is increasing due to climate change. Due to which the moisture level in the vegetation is also decreasing. Along with this, the unseasonal heat wave causes friction in their leaves and fire is breaking out. Apart from this, due to irregular monsoon, the forests remain dry for a long time. The month of february in the year 2023 was the hottest. Due to which the moisture before the monsoon was eliminated in a way.
2- El-Nino incidents have become the main reason for forest fires. Due to El-Nino, there is less rainfall. Due to which the forests dry up and the incidents of fire increase. Due to the effect of El-Nino, 30 percent less rainfall was estimated in the east and northeastern region and 68 percent less in the south in the year 2024.
3- Human encroachment in forest areas has increased. Forests are being cut to increase the area of cultivation. During this, a little negligence regarding fire is increasing such incidents. Fire incidents are also happening in South india due to felling and burning. In this, first the forests are cut and then the weeds are set on fire. At the same time, the way infrastructure is developing, this is also becoming a major reason for setting fire in the forest.
4- There is a lot of potential for tourism in forest areas. people go to the forest for picnics. During this time, fire is lit to dispose of waste. During this time, there is a possibility of a spark turning into a big fire.
5- The lack of fire stations is also playing a big role in dealing with such incidents. In the year 2019, there were only 3,377 fire stations in the country. Which is very less as per the incidents.
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