Forests have started blazing in Uttarakhand even in winter.
More than one thousand forest fire incidents have been recorded in the last two months since November. Less rain and snowfall is said to be the main reason. Forest Survey of India (FSI) has issued 1006 fire alerts so far.
It is estimated that more than 100 hectares of forest will be burnt. However, the Forest Department has not yet been able to collect data on fire incidents and the damage caused by them. Actually, fire season starts in the state from 15th February.
Because from that time the heat starts increasing and a lot of dry leaves fall in the forests. In such a situation, the risk of fire is highest. But this time the incidents of fire have started in winter itself. Regarding this, Forest Survey of India has started sending alerts to the Forest Department.
FSI has sent more than one thousand alerts of forest fire to the forest department since November 1. That is, FSI satellite has recorded so many incidents of fire in the forests of Reserve Forest, Civil Soyam and Van Panchayat.
Incidents almost doubled from last year
According to FSI data, around 502 incidents were reported during this time last year. Whose alert was sent to the Forest Department. Whereas this time the incidents have almost doubled. Due to which forest department officials are also worried. Forest Headquarters has instructed all DFOs to remain alert.
These are the main reasons
According to experts, this time the lack of snowfall and rain till now is the biggest reason for the fire. Due to lack of rain and snowfall, the forests have lost moisture. Whereas the sun is shining brightly in the afternoon. Due to which the leaves lying in the forests have also become quite dry.
Due to which the fire is spreading more. People also burn garbage and crop remains on the banks of forests. At the same time, fire is also set for control burning and creating fire lines to burn dry leaves.
Bad impact on glacier and environment
Forest fire may be causing maximum damage to forest resources and wildlife in the state. But it is also having a direct impact on the glacier and the environment. In the last few years, studies conducted by various institutions have revealed that due to excessive forest fires, black smoke is accumulating in the glaciers. Whereas the amount of pollution in the environment is also increasing significantly.
Major incidents occurred in these areas
Nainital 4
Bageshwar 4
Almora 8
Pithoragarh 2
Tuni 2
Tehri 2
FSI has so far given more than one thousand alerts regarding fire incidents. Whose forest department goes to the spot and does physical verification. Verification reports and data of damage caused by fire have been sought from all DFOs. As far as fire is concerned, fires are being set everywhere for control burning and firelines. “Nishant Verma, CCF, Forest Fire”