Uttarakhand is currently grappling with a severe increase in forest fire incidents, exacerbated by unprecedented heatwaves. Data from the state forest department reveals that the number of wildfire incidents has more than doubled compared to last year, resulting in triple the forest cover loss.
This year alone, 1,586 hectares of forest land have been ravaged in 1,156 incidents, a stark contrast to the 484 incidents recorded during the same period last year, which resulted in the loss of 576 hectares. The severity of the situation is highlighted by the recent massive wildfire in the Varunavat area of the Uttarkashi forest division. Responding swiftly, a combined team of forest officials, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) worked tirelessly through the night to contain the flames, finally bringing the fire under control by Thursday morning.
The rising temperatures are a significant contributing factor. Major parts of the state have experienced temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, with the capital, Dehradun, recording an unprecedented 43 degrees Celsius over several consecutive days. Bikram Singh, Director of the Indian Meteorological Department in Dehradun, has warned that these extreme temperatures could exacerbate the wildfire situation in isolated regions such as Tehri, Pauri, Dehradun, and Nainital in the coming days. However, forecasts of heavy rainfall between 1st and 2nd June offer a glimmer of hope for respite.
The forest fire statistics over the past few years underscore the increasing frequency and severity of these incidents. In 2023, 933 hectares were lost to 733 wildfires, while 2022 saw 3,425 hectares destroyed in 2,186 incidents. The year 2021 was even more devastating, with 3,943 hectares lost in 2,813 incidents. Comparatively, 2020 had a much lower impact, with 172 hectares affected in 135 incidents. Recent weeks have seen a worrying uptick in fire incidents. From 10th to 12th May, a brief spell of rain provided temporary relief, halting new fire reports. However, the subsequent rise in temperatures from 13th to 19th May led to 35 new incidents, burning 46 hectares of forest. Between 19th and 29th May, another 54 incidents resulted in the loss of 102 hectares of forest land. Tragically, this year has also witnessed six casualties—five in Kumaon and one in Garhwal.
Experts attribute the increasing number of forest fires to climate change and human activities. Vishal Singh, Executive Director of the Centre for Ecology Development and Research (CEDAR), emphasises that Uttarakhand is one of the most forest fire-affected regions, primarily due to these factors. He advocates for community-led efforts, involving experts, local leaders, forest teams, and residents, alongside the utilisation of modern equipment and technology to combat this escalating menace.
The state government faces a formidable challenge in addressing the growing threat of wildfires. Comprehensive strategies and robust action plans are essential to safeguard Uttarakhand’s forest wealth and protect its inhabitants from the devastating impacts of these fires.
