Forest fires increased 1339% in Himachal Pradesh, 2822% in J&K: SOFR 2023

Sub: Geo

Sec: Indian Physical Geo

Context:

India’s mountain regions, particularly Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, are witnessing an unprecedented surge in forest fire incidents, according to the State of Forest Report 2023.

Key Findings:

Unprecedented Increase in Mountain Regions
- Himachal Pradesh recorded a 1,339% increase in forest fire incidents.
- Jammu & Kashmir witnessed an even more dramatic rise of 2,822%.
- Uttarakhand saw a 293% increase, with districts like Nainital, Pauri Garhwal, and Shimla among the top 20 most affected areas.
Largest Affected Forest Areas
- Andhra Pradesh: 5,287 sq km
- Maharashtra: 4,095 sq km
- Telangana: 3,983 sq km
State-Specific Trends
- Significant Increases:
  - Punjab (400%), Delhi (128%), Rajasthan (111%), Haryana (102%), Sikkim (106%).
  - Tamil Nadu (69%), Uttar Pradesh (36%), Gujarat (35%), Mizoram (14%), Telangana (2.8%).
- Union Territories:
  - Ladakh (60%), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (5%).
- Major Reductions:
  - Goa (75%), Karnataka (57%).

Underlying Concerns:

The sudden surge in incidents in the Himalayan states raises questions about climatic factors, forest management, and monitoring efficacy.
Dry deciduous forests are particularly prone to fires, while evergreen, semi-evergreen, and montane temperate forests are less susceptible.

Why do dry deciduous forests have higher fire susceptibility compared to other forest types?

Dry Deciduous Forests – High Fire Risk:

Seasonal leaf shedding creates a thick layer of dry leaves and twigs on the forest floor that acts as fuel
These forests experience distinct dry seasons with low humidity and high temperatures, creating ideal conditions for fires
The open canopy allows more sunlight to reach the forest floor, drying out the leaf litter faster
Undergrowth tends to be dry and sparse, allowing fires to spread quickly

Evergreen, Semi-evergreen, and Montane Temperate Forests – Lower Fire Risk:

Dense, closed canopy that:
- Maintains higher humidity levels underneath
- Reduces wind speed within the forest
- Blocks direct sunlight, keeping the forest floor cooler and moister
Year-round leaf retention means:
- Less dry leaf litter accumulation
- More consistent moisture levels in the ecosystem
- Better regulation of forest microclimate
Higher moisture content:
- Regular rainfall or fog in montane forests
- More humid conditions due to altitude
- Better water retention in soil and vegetation