RK Sharma
Jammu and Kashmir, known for its lush green forests and diverse ecosystems, is home to approximately 20,230 square kilometers of forest cover, constituting around 20% of the region’s total geographical area. These forests are crucial for the livelihoods of the region’s rural and hilly communities and play an essential role in maintaining a clean and healthy environment. The area is blessed with rich flora and fauna, making its forests a precious treasure and an integral part of the region’s natural heritage.
Unfortunately, it has been observed that forest fires have become a regular phenomenon, occurring every year and burning vast areas of this forest cover.
These fires cause immense damage to natural resources and result in significant losses for the government. There is a pressing need to identify and address the factors contributing to these fires, and to hold accountable those responsible for this recurring destruction.
As Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, famously said, “The Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not every man’s greed.” This quote is a befitting reflection of the forest fires that occur every summer in various districts of the state. These fires are often fueled by human negligence and greed, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness and responsibility to protect these vital forests.
The Forest Department must take this issue very seriously to ensure that these fires do not occur year after year. The department should not fall into a deep slumber after the monsoon season, only to wake up when the fires start. By then, it may be too late to prevent the extensive damage. Proactive measures, continuous monitoring, and early intervention are crucial to protect the forests and prevent such devastating losses.
Many reasons are attributed to this man-made calamity. The main cause of forest fires is the carelessness of farmers living near the forest. After harvesting, they prepare their agricultural fields for Kharif cultivation with the help of fire. When this fire goes out of control or is left unattended, it spreads to the forest. Another major reason is the practice of burning dried leaves and fallen foliage in grazing grounds within forest areas. Farmers often burn these to clear the ground and encourage the growth of grass for their cattle. Additionally, the careless disposal of cigarette and bidi butts near forests can easily ignite fires. Other contributing factors include illegal activities such as the trade of charcoal and the collection of honey from the forest, which often involve the use of fire, further increasing the risk of wildfires.
Besides these, another significant factor contributing to forest fires is the increasing number of picnics and tours organized by schools and other organizations near forest areas. These forests, with their natural beauty, attract many tourists. After their visits and outdoor cooking, many do not bother to properly extinguish the fires they’ve used, which can later ignite due to winds and spread into a larger blaze. Similarly, development projects like road construction, bridge building, and industrial activities near forested areas can also lead to forest fires. The careless handling of equipment, materials, and waste during these projects often sparks fires that can quickly get out of control.
“The Forest Department is making significant efforts to control the occurrence of fires despite limited resources and manpower at the grassroots level. It has also established joint control rooms and implemented GIS alerts, which provide the exact coordinates of fires during incidents. Additionally, the department has formed specialized fire teams and deputed fire watchers . But due to the large forest area and hilly terrain, it becomes an uphill task for these teams and officials to check this menace completely. Law also provides for both imprisonment and fines for those responsible for causing fires.”
“Despite these measures, forest fires continue to be a persistent issue. We have inherited a rich heritage from our ancestors, and it is our prime responsibility to protect it from selfish, anti-social, and irresponsible elements of society. Each segment of society can contribute in some way to this noble cause. Educated individuals can play a crucial role in raising awareness and sharing information, which can significantly reduce losses. These measures need to be fully implemented on the ground. This treasure belongs to all of us, so let us come together and shoulder this responsibility collectively.”
(The writer is a Retd Tehsildar)
