J&K’s raging forest fires

Amid prolonged dry spell, forests in Jammu and Kashmir are experiencing rampant fires.
As per reports, 94 fire incidents were reported in the last 12 days in different forests of J&K.  Anantnag district of south Kashmir, which is surrounded by forests, witnessed the highest number of forest fires followed by Pulwama, Budgam, Ganderbal, Bandipora and Srinagar districts. Forest fire caused extensive damage to trees in Lidder, Kokernag, Shangus, and Tral forest divisions in south Kashmir recently.

Frequent fire incidents have been reported in Zabarwan range of forests in Srinagar. A recent fire raged in forests near Ishber locality causing panic among locals. The fire was so intense that it could be viewed from Srinagar outskirts.

The Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKSDMA), has issued two active forest fire alerts till April 10. As per the alert, extreme forest fire is likely to occur over forest area near Purmandal and Kathua, in Jammu in next 7 days. Besides, the alert says that Very High Forest Fire Risk is likely to occur over forest areas near Rajwalta, Kalakote, Samba, Kathua, Lakhanpur, in the next 7 days.

In view of the alerts, authorities have asked the people living in the vicinity of these forests to shift to safer locations. What causes forest fires? One factor is dry weather conditions in which heat of the sun ignites fire in dry grass. Another factor is humans. They lit fire from lightning, cooking, coal making or camping in dry forest areas and it triggered fire. Another cause is arson! Timber smugglers take undue advantage of the situation and set forest areas on fire after felling and shifting trees. This is done to camouflage their illicit trade. There are hundreds of burnt tree stumps visible in forests in Shopian and Budgam.

We need to understand that J&K has 21,387 sq kms of forest cover. We are surrounded by forests and a major part of our population lives in forest catchments. A Geographical Information System (GIS) based Rapid Assessment of Forest Fire Vulnerability Mapping based on Actual Forest Fire Incidences in J&K conducted by the Department of Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing identified the causes and recommended mitigation preventive measures.

As per the study, over 50 percent of the total forest area in 6646 compartments across J&K falls in the high and medium vulnerable zones. The study was conducted in 30 forest divisions comprising 102 ranges across J&K. It states that in the Jammu region, three divisions are highly vulnerable namely, Jammu, Nowshera and Reasi, showing the highest number of fire incidents. In Kashmir region, division Bandipora shows highest numbers of forest fire incidences.

Forest Minister Javed Ahmad Rana last month informed the Legislative Assembly that 1,243 forest fires were reported in J&K in the 2024-25 financial year. The figure is more than double the previous fiscal but nearly similar to 2022-23

In 1553 incidents of forest fire in an area covering 2774.213 hectares were involved. However, he claimed that most of the incidents are ground fires where only grass and bushes get burnt and tall trees are not affected The minister stated that forest fire and its mitigation is a top priority of the Forest department and  number of steps have been taken like the constitution of a state-level monitoring committee for forest fire to review the progress.

The Jammu and Kashmir Forest Policy of 2011 envisages ecological restoration of forests which will have mitigating effects on climate change, while the forest department has also prepared the state action plan on forest fire (SAPFF) for a period of 20 years. He said the  government has been providing funds under the centrally sponsored scheme CAMPA and forest fire prevention and management from Union Territory resources.

Forest department has warned of strict action against those found responsible for causing forest fires by booking them under relevant provisions of the Forest Protection Law. This is a timely move which will serve as a deterrent.

Besides loss of trees and rich flora and fauna, there is risk to wild animals due to frequent forest fires.

Dachigam National Park, which is situated amidst forests, too has witnessed forest fires. The park is home to many wild animals including the critically endangered Hangul. Due to forest fires, wild animals foray into lower areas resulting in incidents of human-animal conflict.

Due to climate change and dry spell, wildfires have been witnessed in the United States and other countries. These developed countries with sophisticated technology are struggling to control forest fires. In this scenario, how can we prevent and control forest fires? It is difficult for firefighters to reach forests. Even if they reach the affected spots, they won’t be able to get water for dousing the fire.  We have to impart fire-fighting training among people living near forests.  We must make them first responders to douse fire.

Besides, we need to equip the employees of the Forest and Wildlife department with hi-tech firefighting equipment and safety gear. There must be patrolling of forest areas vulnerable to fires. Government can make use of drones and CCTVs to monitor forests. Fire Control Rooms must be set up in all villages in forest catchments.

Forests have borne the brunt in the last over three decades in J&K  Forests are an imperative part of our environment, We have to take care of trees as loss of even a tree impacts our eco-system. Forests are our lifeline, we must protect nature's assets as our survival depends on these.
Author is Executive Editor, Greater Kashmir