India records over 2 Lakh forest fires in 2024, MP among worst hit

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change presented a comprehensive account of forest fire incidents in India and the measures taken to combat them during a Rajya Sabha session on December 5, 2024. Kirti Vardhan Singh informed the Parliament that forest fire incidents from November 2023 to June 2024 stood at 2,03,544, a slight decline from the 2,12,249 incidents reported during the previous fire season.

Over 2 lakh forest fire cases reported

Despite the marginal reduction, Singh emphasized the persistent challenges posed by forest fires, attributing them to anthropogenic factors and the accumulation of inflammable materials like dry leaves and twigs on forest floors.

Singh revealed that some states have adopted artificial intelligence-based solutions to tackle forest fires, encroachments, and human-animal conflicts. These systems use cameras and sensors to monitor forest boundaries and alert authorities of potential threats.

The Forest Survey of India (FSI) uses satellite sensors to detect forest fires in real time. Advance alerts are issued based on the Fire Weather Index, providing stakeholders a one-week lead time. Near Real-Time (NRT) forest fire alerts, sent via SMS and the Van Agni Portal, ensure timely action by local authorities.

The government shared state and Union Territory-wise data on forest fire incidents, noting significant fluctuations over the past five years. Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh consistently recorded high incidents, whereas smaller states like Goa and Delhi reported low figures.

The government reiterated its commitment to addressing forest fires through the National Action Plan on Forest Fire (NAPFF)from 2018. Under this initiative, state governments prepare State Action Plans tailored to local needs, complementing the national framework.

The Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for Forest Fire Prevention and Managementfunds activities like:

• Creation of fire lines,

• Water conservation structures in forests.

• Procurement of firefighting equipment, and

• Community fire prevention incentives.

Singh noted that the Ministry has trained three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) battalions, comprising 150 personnel, to tackle large forest fires. Mock drills, community awareness programs, and capacity-building initiatives are also undertaken to enhance preparedness.

The Forest Survey of India conducted burnt scar assessments for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 fire seasons in response to state requests. These assessments revealed that:

• Uttarakhand recorded 1,781.39 square kilometers of burnt forest in 2021-2022,

• Kerala had 85.89 square kilometers affected during the same period.

• Manipurhad 861.32 square kilometers of burnt area in 2022-2023.

State/UT-wise Forest Fire Incidences (2019–2024)

*Note: Data for Ladakh is combined with Jammu & Kashmir for earlier years.

The Ministry hasn’t estimated economic losses for forest fires.

Singh acknowledged that forest fire prevention and control largely remain state governments’ responsibility. However, the Centre’s initiatives in deploying advanced technology, training, and policy frameworks have significantly strengthened India’s forest fire management capabilities.

The government’s vigilance and investment in mitigation strategies are essential to prevent the devastating impact of forest fires on biodiversity, livelihoods, and climate stability.

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