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

  • December 26, 2024
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN Topics
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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
Forest fires increased 1339% in Himachal Pradesh Geography

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